Erinnerung
/ɛɐˈʔɪnəʁʊŋ(k)/
The German word for reminder is Erinnerung.
Erinnerung refers to a note or message used to make someone remember a task or an event. You can also use the compound noun Erinnerungsschreiben to specifically mean a formal reminder letter.
Which one should you use?
While Erinnerung is a standard term for a reminder, you should use Mahnung in formal contexts regarding financial matters or overdue payments, such as a late payment notice. For an informal note or memo that serves as a reminder, you can use Merkzettel.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Erinnerung is Erinnerungen. The genitive singular form is der Erinnerung.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɛɐˈʔɪnəʁʊŋ(k)/
When do people say it?
When giving a gift or a note, people often use the phrase eine kleine Erinnerung (a little reminder) to make the gesture sound more polite and less like a demand.
Did you know?
- The word Erinnerung is a double agent in German, meaning both a 'reminder' for the future and a 'memory' of the past.
- To describe a 'memory lane' or a nostalgic reminder, Germans use the phrase in Erinnerungen schwelgen, which literally means to 'revel in memories'.
- While Erinnerung is a gentle nudge, a Mahnung is a legalistic warning that can lead to court action if ignored.
Examples in context
- Trotz mehrerer Erinnerungs-E-Mails vergaß sie die Verabredung.Despite several reminder emails, she forgot the appointment.This sentence shows how to use Erinnerung in the context of emails and appointments.Tatoeba #3634492 by al_ex_an_der, translation #12974613 by sundown
- Denkmäler sind eine ständige Erinnerung an das, was ein Volk manchmal gern vergessen möchte.Monuments are a constant reminder of what a nation would sometimes like to forget.This sentence uses Erinnerung to describe monuments as a constant reminder of history.Tatoeba #1449949 by Esperantostern, translation #12088232 by sundown
- Nur als Erinnerung: Morgen früh um zehn ist der Sektempfang.Just as a reminder: The champagne reception is tomorrow morning at ten.This sentence demonstrates the use of Erinnerung when providing a quick notice about an event.
- Hiermit senden wir Ihnen die zweite Mahnung bezüglich Ihrer offenen Rechnung vom 15. Juli.We hereby send you the second reminder regarding your outstanding invoice from July 15th.
- Das ist nur eine kleine Erinnerung.That is just a little reminder.
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia are discussing a work meeting.
- MaximilianHast du die Erinnerung für unser Meeting bekommen?Did you get the reminder for our meeting?
- JuliaNein, ich habe keine Nachricht erhalten.No, I didn't receive a message.
- MaximilianIch schicke dir jetzt eine kurze Erinnerung.I'll send you a short reminder now.
- JuliaDanke, Maximilian, das hilft mir sehr.Thanks, Maximilian, that helps me a lot.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Erinnerung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
