Rechtschreibung
/ˈʁɛçtˌʃʁaɪ̯bʊŋ/
The German word for spelling is Rechtschreibung.
Rechtschreibung is a noun that refers to the practice, ability or subject of forming words with letters, also known as orthography.
Meaning: the practice, ability, or subject of forming words with letters, or of reading the letters of words, orthography (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of recht (correct/right) and Schreibung (writing/orthography), literally meaning 'correct writing'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʁɛçtˌʃʁaɪ̯bʊŋ/
Did you know?
- German spelling rules are managed by a council that periodically issues 'Rechtschreibreformen' or spelling reforms to simplify the language.
- In German schools, Rechtschreibdiktat (spelling dictation) is a traditional and often stressful exercise where students must write a text perfectly to pass.
- The word Rechtschreibung contains the root recht, which also means 'law' or 'right' as in legal rights.
Examples in context
- Achte auf die Rechtschreibung!Be sure to get the spelling right.This sentence is useful for reminding someone to get the Rechtschreibung right.Tatoeba #13396150 by Waldelfe, translation #11894580 by CK
- Tom fällt die Rechtschreibung schwer.Tom struggles with spelling.This sentence shows how someone might struggle with Rechtschreibung.Tatoeba #11619420 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11619368 by CK
- Beherrschst du gut die Rechtschreibung?Are you good at spelling?This sentence is a way to ask if someone has a good command of Rechtschreibung.Tatoeba #12671503 by Waldelfe, translation #12671907 by Waldelfe
- Die Rechtschreibung ist für einen deutschen Schriftsteller von großer Bedeutung.Correct spelling is of great importance for a German writer.
- Die Schreibweise dieses Wortes gefällt mir nicht.I don't like the way this word is written.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Maximilian are discussing a school assignment.
- SarahDie Rechtschreibung ist in diesem Test sehr wichtig.Spelling is very important in this test.
- MaximilianStimmt, ich muss meine Rechtschreibung wirklich verbessern.True, I really need to improve my spelling.
- SarahDu kannst die Rechtschreibung gut üben.You can practice spelling well.
- MaximilianDanke für den Tipp, Sarah.Thanks for the tip, Sarah.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “spelling” translations and entries Rechtschreibung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
