der Buchstabe „R“
The English phrase "the letter 'r'" is translated into German as der Buchstabe „R“.
der Buchstabe „R“ refers specifically to the eighteenth letter of the alphabet as a written character.
Which one should you use?
speakers often use das R in casual speech or when referring to the letter as a concept rather than the written character.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes depending on its role in a sentence. Use den Buchstaben „R“ when it is the direct object (accusative case). Use des Buchstabens „R“ when expressing possession or a relationship meaning 'of the' (genitive case).
Did you know?
- The word Buchstabe literally translates to 'book-staff' or 'book-stick'. This refers to the ancient practice of carving characters into wooden staves.
- In German, the letter R can be pronounced in several ways, including a 'uvular' sound made in the back of the throat or a 'rolled' sound made with the tip of the tongue.
- In German typography, when referring to der Buchstabe „R“, the quotation marks are inverted, with the first one pointing downwards.
Examples in context
- Der Buchstabe „R“ steht am Ende.The letter 'R' is at the end.
Example conversation
Sarah and Julian are checking the spelling of a name.
- SarahFehlt in dem Namen der Buchstabe „R“?Is the letter 'R' missing in the name?
- JulianJa, der Buchstabe „R“ fehlt am Ende.Yes, the letter 'R' is missing at the end.
- SarahSoll ich ihn jetzt hinzufügen?Should I add it now?
- JulianJa, bitte korrigiere das.Yes, please correct that.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Buchstabe, der, CC BY-SA 4.0.
