Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Unterstrich | [ˈʊntɐˌʃtʁɪç] (narrow) | character, masculine |
| Unterstreichung | feminine | |
| Grundstrich | character |
In German, the choice of word depends on whether you are discussing a typographical character or a visual effect. Use Unterstrich when referring specifically to the underscore character (_) used in digital contexts like computer programming or email addresses. On German keyboards, you can type this character using the 'Shift + Minus' shortcut. If you are talking about the act of underlining text or the resulting visual effect in a document, use the word Unterstreichung. The related verb unterstreichen can be used both for the physical act of drawing a line under a word and for the figurative act of emphasizing a point.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Unterstrich is a compound of unter (under) and Strich (line/stroke).
Which one should you use?
Unterstrich refers to the specific underscore character used in technical contexts. In contrast, Unterstreichung refers to the act of underlining or the visual effect of an underline produced in text.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Unterstrich is a masculine noun, while Unterstreichung is a feminine noun. Grundstrich is also used to refer to the character.
Did you know?
- In German, using the verb unterstreichen to emphasize a point is so common that it is often used as a rhetorical device in political speeches to signal the most important part of an argument.
- If you are speaking to a programmer, they might use the English-derived term 'Underscore' instead of the German Unterstrich, as English technical terminology is heavily embedded in German IT culture.
- The German term Grundstrich uses the word 'Grund', which can also mean 'reason' or 'cause', making the character sound like a 'reason stroke' or 'foundational stroke'.
Examples in context
- Bitte verwenden Sie den Unterstrich, um Wörter oder Sätze voneinander abzugrenzen.Please use the underscore to differentiate words or sentences.
- Der Unterstrich ist wichtig für die E-Mail-Adresse.The underscore is important for the email address.
- Vergiss den Unterstrich am Ende nicht.Don't forget the underscore at the end.
- Wo finde ich den Unterstrich auf der Tastatur?Where do I find the underscore on the keyboard?
Example conversation
Lukas is helping Hannah with a password.
- LukasWie schreibt man dein Passwort, Hannah?How do you spell your password, Hannah?
- HannahEs beginnt mit einem Unterstrich.It starts with an underscore.
- LukasOkay, ich habe den Unterstrich jetzt getippt.Okay, I have typed the underscore now.
- HannahPerfekt, jetzt ist es richtig, Lukas.Perfect, now it is correct, Lukas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “underscore” translations and entries Unterstrich, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
