01
das Abc
ABC
The complete set of letters of a writing system in their fixed order; the alphabet.
example
In der ersten Klasse lernen die Kinder das Abc zu schreiben.
In first grade, the children learn to write the ABC.
das Abc
ABC / basics
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Origin of the word
The name 'Abc' (ABC) comes directly from the first three letters of the Latin alphabet: A, B, C. It is pronounced like 'A-Be-Tse'.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du das Abc fehlerfrei aufsagen?
Can you recite the ABC without making any mistakes?
Typical verbs
In the meaning 'Alphabet' (alphabet), 'das Abc' (the ABC) is often combined with verbs of learning. Typical phrases are 'das Abc lernen' (to learn the ABC), 'das Abc können' (to know the ABC), or 'das Abc schreiben' (to write the ABC).
EXAMPLE
Mein kleiner Bruder lernt gerade im Kindergarten das Abc.
My little brother is currently learning the ABC in kindergarten.
Figurative meaning
In the figurative meaning 'Grundlagen' (basics), 'das Abc' (the basics) is usually used with the genitive or the preposition 'von' (of) to name the field. For example: 'das Abc der Politik' (the basics of politics) or 'das Abc vom Kochen' (the basics of cooking).
EXAMPLE
Pünktlichkeit und Zuverlässigkeit sind das Abc des Berufslebens.
Punctuality and reliability are the basics of professional life.
Register and style
Using 'das Abc' (the basics) for 'Grundlagen' (basics) is figurative and is often used in introductory texts or in everyday language to describe the foundation of a topic.
EXAMPLE
Dieses Buch erklärt das Abc der Fotografie für Anfänger.
This book explains the basics of photography for beginners.
Compare with
Abc vs Buchstabe
letter
'Buchstabe' and 'Abc' are both connected to reading and writing. A 'Buchstabe' is a single character, for example A, B, or C. 'Das Abc' means all the letters together in their fixed order, that is, the alphabet. Learners may confuse the words because the ABC is made up of letters. If you mean just one character, use 'Buchstabe'. If you mean the whole sequence of letters, use 'Abc'.
Abc
Aylin übt mit ihrem kleinen Bruder das Abc.
Aylin practices the ABC with her little brother.
Buchstabe
Wir schreiben jeden Buchstaben langsam an die Tafel.
We write each letter slowly on the board.
In real life
Loading video examples...