subject
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subject line
The line in an email, letter, or form that briefly states the content or topic of the message.
Bitte geben Sie im Betreff Ihrer E-Mail immer die Rechnungsnummer an.
Please always include the invoice number in the subject line of your email.
'Der Betreff' (the subject line) is the noun related to the verb 'betreffen' (to concern). It therefore names the topic that the message concerns or deals with.
Ihre Anfrage betreffend, können wir Ihnen heute antworten.
Regarding your inquiry, we can reply to you today.
Common phrases are 'im Betreff angeben' (to state in the subject line), 'der Betreff lautet' (the subject line reads), or 'etwas in den Betreff schreiben' (to write something in the subject line). The line itself is often called the 'Betreffzeile' (subject line).
Schreiben Sie bitte Ihre Kundennummer in den Betreff.
Please write your customer number in the subject line.
In formal letters and emails, 'Betreff' (subject) is often abbreviated as 'Betr.', followed by a colon.
Betr.: Bewerbung als Projektmanager
Re: Application as Project Manager
topic / theme
'das Thema' and 'der Betreff' both have to do with the content of something. 'das Thema' is the central content of a conversation, text, film, or event. 'der Betreff' is much more specific: it appears in an email, letter, or form and briefly summarizes what it is about. Learners may confuse the words because a subject line often names the topic of a message. But in everyday language, you say: a conversation has a 'Thema', an email has a 'Betreff'.
Herr Hofmann schreibt in den Betreff der E-Mail: „Frage zur Bestellung“.
Mr. Hofmann writes in the email subject line: “Question about the order.”
Auf der Feier spricht er heute lange über das Thema Einkaufen.
At the party today, he talks at length about the topic of shopping.