PS
The English phrase 'PS' can be translated into German as PS. Wiktionary also lists NS.
Meaning: addendum to a letter (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | Note |
|---|---|
| PS | |
| NS | archaic |
In German, PS is used as an addendum to a letter. It is common practice to follow the abbreviation with a colon, written as PS:, before providing the postscript text.
Which one should you use?
PS is the standard modern form, while NS is an archaic version.
When do people say it?
When someone remembers something they forgot to mention, they might colloquially use the phrase Ach ja as an equivalent to a postscript.
Did you know?
- In German, PS is also the standard abbreviation for Pferdestärke, which means 'horsepower'. This means the same two letters are used to describe both a letter's addendum and a car's engine power.
- If you are writing a very formal letter in German, some etiquette experts suggest avoiding a PS altogether, as it can imply your initial letter was disorganized.
- The term Nachschrift (from which NS derives) is also the technical German term for a 'transcript' of a speech or a recorded legal deposition.
Examples in context
- PS: Ich liebe dich.PS: I love you.This example shows how to use PS to add an extra thought to a message.Tatoeba #396334 by xtofu80, translation #1357022 by sacredceltic
- PS: Vergiss den Regenschirm nicht!PS: Don't forget the umbrella!
Example conversation
Maximilian is reading a handwritten letter from Sarah.
- SarahHast du meinen Brief gelesen?Did you read my letter?
- MaximilianJa, und das PS war sehr lustig.Yes, and the PS was very funny.
- SarahDas freut mich, dass es dir gefallen hat.I am glad you liked it.
- MaximilianDein PS hat mich wirklich zum Lachen gebracht.Your PS really made me laugh.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ps” translations and entries PS, NS, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
