das Alphabet
alphabet
The fixed order of all the letters of a written language. Each language has its own alphabet for forming words.
EXAMPLE
Kinder lernen in der ersten Klasse das Alphabet.
Children learn the alphabet in first grade.
das Alphabet
alphabet
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Meanings
das Alphabet
basics
In a figurative sense, the fundamentals or the simplest beginner knowledge of a specific field or skill.
EXAMPLE
Bevor du komplexe Gerichte kochst, solltest du erst das Alphabet des Würzens lernen.
Before you cook complex dishes, you should first learn the basics of seasoning.
Usage tips
Origin of the word
The word 'Alphabet' (alphabet) comes from Greek. It is made up of the names of the first two letters of the Greek alphabet: 'Alpha' (α) and 'Beta' (β).
EXAMPLE
Das deutsche Alphabet basiert auf dem lateinischen Alphabet.
The German alphabet is based on the Latin alphabet.
Sentence structure and use
If you want to describe an order, you use the phrase 'nach dem Alphabet' (in alphabetical order). A common activity is sorting alphabetically.
EXAMPLE
Bitte sortieren Sie die Namensliste nach dem Alphabet.
Please sort the list of names in alphabetical order.
Typical verbs
In connection with the sequence of letters, 'Alphabet' (alphabet) is often used with verbs like 'lernen' (to learn), 'aufsagen' (to recite), 'können' (to know/be able to), or 'ordnen' (to arrange).
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder üben, das Alphabet fehlerfrei aufzusagen.
The children are practicing reciting the alphabet without mistakes.
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative meaning 'Grundlagen' (basics) by the fact that it is almost always followed by an addition that names the topic. This is often expressed with the genitive or with 'von' (of), for example 'das Alphabet der Höflichkeit' (the basics of politeness).
EXAMPLE
Pünktlichkeit und Zuverlässigkeit gehören zum Alphabet eines guten Mitarbeiters.
Punctuality and reliability are part of the basics of being a good employee.
Compare with
Alphabet vs Grundlage
basis / foundation
Grundlage refers to the basic knowledge on which further knowledge can build. Alphabet is a figurative expression for the simplest beginner knowledge of a field and emphasizes that someone is still right at the beginning of learning.
Alphabet
Nach der ersten Unterrichtsstunde kennt sie erst das Alphabet der Fotografie.
After the first lesson, she knows only the basics of photography.
Grundlage
Der Einführungskurs vermittelt ihr eine solide Grundlage für die Fotografie.
The introductory course gives her a solid foundation in photography.
In real life
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