adressieren
to address
To write or print the recipient's address on a letter, package, or other item being sent.
EXAMPLE
Bitte adressieren Sie den Umschlag an die Personalabteilung.
Please address the envelope to the HR department.
adressieren
to address
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Meanings
adressieren
to address
To specifically bring up, deal with, or refer to a particular topic, problem, or question.
EXAMPLE
In ihrer Rede adressierte die Ministerin die Sorgen der Bürger bezüglich der steigenden Energiepreise.
In her speech, the minister addressed citizens' concerns about rising energy prices.
adressieren an
to address to
To direct a statement, question, or request specifically to a particular person or group.
EXAMPLE
Er adressierte seine Kritik direkt an den Projektleiter.
He addressed his criticism directly to the project manager.
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'adressieren' (to address) is derived directly from the noun 'die Adresse' (address). The ending '-ieren' is often used to form verbs from nouns, often loanwords.
EXAMPLE
Vergiss nicht, den Brief zu adressieren, bevor du ihn einwirfst.
Don't forget to address the letter before you mail it.
Use with 'an'
When you name the recipient, the preposition 'an' with the accusative is used. This applies both to postal items and to words or criticism.
EXAMPLE
Der Brief ist an die falsche Abteilung adressiert.
The letter is addressed to the wrong department.
Context clue
The object of the verb reveals the meaning. If it is a physical object like 'Brief' (letter) or 'Paket' (package), the literal meaning is meant. If it is something abstract like 'Problem' (problem), 'Frage' (question), or 'Kritik' (criticism), the figurative meaning is meant.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss noch das Paket adressieren.
I still have to address the package.
Style and register
In the meaning 'to bring up a topic', 'adressieren' (to address) is rather formal. You often find it in politics, in the news, in business, or in academic discussions.
EXAMPLE
Die Studie adressiert ein wichtiges gesellschaftliches Problem.
The study addresses an important social problem.
Compare with
adressieren vs behandeln
to treat / to deal with
Behandeln and adressieren can refer to the same problem in a report. Behandeln means discussing its content, while adressieren emphasizes deliberately addressing the problem and possibly responding to it. Choose behandeln for a more detailed presentation and adressieren for a targeted approach to the problem.
adressieren
Der Bericht adressiert die langen Wartezeiten im Krankenhaus mit konkreten Vorschlägen.
The report addresses the long waiting times at the hospital with concrete proposals.
behandeln
Der Bericht behandelt die langen Wartezeiten im Krankenhaus ausführlich.
The report discusses the long waiting times at the hospital in detail.
In real life
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