address / speech
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speech / address
A formal speech given on a specific occasion in front of an audience or a group of people.
Der Bürgermeister hielt zur Eröffnung des Stadtfestes eine kurze Ansprache.
The mayor gave a short address at the opening of the town festival.
The noun 'die Ansprache' (address/speech) is derived directly from the separable verb 'ansprechen' (to address someone). It describes the result of the action: addressing someone.
Der Verkäufer hat mich im Laden direkt angesprochen.
The salesperson addressed me directly in the store.
When 'Ansprache' appears with the verb 'halten' (to give/hold), it almost always means a formal speech. If, on the other hand, it appears with adjectives like 'persönlich' (personal) or 'direkt' (direct), it refers to the way someone communicates with another person.
Der Firmenchef wird bei der Weihnachtsfeier eine Ansprache halten.
The company boss will give an address at the Christmas party.
When referring to a formal speech, the verb 'halten' (to give/hold) is almost always used. Other suitable verbs are 'lauschen' (to listen attentively) or 'hören' (to hear/listen to).
Alle Gäste lauschten aufmerksam der Ansprache des Brautvaters.
All the guests listened attentively to the address by the bride's father.
In the meaning 'way of addressing someone', the word is often accompanied by adjectives that describe the type of communication. Typical phrases are 'persönliche Ansprache' (personal address/attention), 'direkte Ansprache' (direct address), or 'formelle Ansprache' (formal address).
Eine zu lockere Ansprache ist in Geschäftsbriefen nicht immer passend.
Too casual a form of address is not always appropriate in business letters.
speech / talk
'die Rede' and 'die Ansprache' can both be a formal statement or speech in front of a group. 'Rede' is the more general word and can be short or long, ceremonial, political, or personal. 'Ansprache' often sounds more official and is usually directed at a specific group or given on a specific occasion, for example before an appointment, at a celebration, or after an event. The words can be confused because an 'Ansprache' is also a kind of 'Rede'. 'Rede' is broader, while 'Ansprache' puts more emphasis on someone addressing the listeners directly and officially.
Vor dem Beginn der Feier hat die Direktorin eine Ansprache gehalten.
Before the celebration began, the director gave an address.
Sie bereitet für die Umweltkonferenz eine kurze Rede vor.
She is preparing a short speech for the environmental conference.