schreiben
write
Mit einem Stift, Computer oder anderem Werkzeug Wörter oder Sätze festhalten.
Definition & meaning
schreiben means to write: to form words or other symbols by hand or with a device.
Depending on context, it can also mean:
- to write down or record something
- to compose or author a text, such as a book or letter
- to correspond with someone in writing
Grammar & word origin
schreiben is an irregular German verb. Its principal forms are schreibt , schrieb , and hat geschrieben . It takes haben in the perfect tense.
It comes from Old High German scrīban, meaning “to write.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms vary by meaning:
- verfassen means to compose a text, often with more emphasis on crafting or formally producing it.
- notieren means to jot something down or make a note.
- aufschreiben specifically means to write something down.
There is no exact antonym for schreiben. löschen can be an opposite when it means deleting written text. schweigen is an opposite only in the broader sense of communicating versus remaining silent.
Common phrases & collocations
- einen Brief schreiben — to write a letter
- eine Nachricht schreiben — to write a message
- ein Buch schreiben — to write a book
- mit jemandem schreiben — to correspond with someone
- etwas aufschreiben — to write something down
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Examples
Sie schreibt einen Brief.verb
She writes a letter.
Du schreibst ein Gedicht.verb
You are writing a poem.
Er schreibt schnell.verb
He writes quickly.
Wir schreiben eine Nachricht.verb
We write a message.
Er möchte etwas schreiben.verb
He wants to write something.
Was habt ihr gestern geschrieben?verb
What did you write yesterday?
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