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.
addressing someone
The act of addressing a person or group directly, often with a specific intention or in a particular manner.
Die persönliche Ansprache der Wähler ist im Wahlkampf entscheidend.
Directly addressing voters personally is crucial in an election campaign.
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
Rede and Ansprache are both public spoken contributions given to a group. Ansprache places more emphasis on directly and formally addressing those present on a particular occasion, while Rede is the more general term. Ansprache is especially appropriate for a short welcome, while Rede is more likely for a longer contribution.
Der Vereinsvorsitzende hielt zur Begrüßung eine Ansprache.
The club president gave a welcoming address.
Der Vereinsvorsitzende hielt bei der Feier eine Rede.
The club president gave a speech at the celebration.
