correspondence
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correspondence
The mutual exchange of letters between two or more people over a longer period of time.
Der Briefwechsel zwischen den beiden Schriftstellern wurde später als Buch veröffentlicht.
The correspondence between the two writers was later published as a book.
This word is made up of 'Brief' (letter) and 'Wechsel' (exchange). So it literally describes an exchange of letters. The 's' in the middle is a linking s, which connects the two parts of the word.
Der Briefwechsel der beiden Philosophen gibt Einblick in ihre Gedankenwelt.
The correspondence of the two philosophers provides insight into their world of thought.
Common verbs used with 'Briefwechsel' (correspondence) are 'einen Briefwechsel führen' (to conduct a correspondence) or 'in Briefwechsel stehen' (to be in correspondence). When you begin an exchange, you can say 'in Briefwechsel treten' (to enter into correspondence).
Die beiden Wissenschaftler standen jahrelang in regem Briefwechsel.
The two scientists were in lively correspondence for years.
To name the people involved, the preposition 'zwischen' (between) with the dative is very often used. The structure is then: 'der Briefwechsel zwischen Person A und Person B' (the correspondence between person A and person B).
Der Briefwechsel zwischen Goethe und Schiller ist weltberühmt.
The correspondence between Goethe and Schiller is world-famous.
exchange
'der Austausch' and 'der Briefwechsel' both have to do with mutual communication. 'Austausch' is more general: people share opinions, information, or ideas, either orally or in writing. 'Briefwechsel' means more specifically that people write letters to each other over a longer period of time. Learners may confuse the words because a 'Briefwechsel' is also a kind of 'Austausch'. But when it is really about letters, 'Briefwechsel' is more precise. When the form is open, 'Austausch' fits better.
Samir hat den alten Briefwechsel mit seiner Großmutter aufbewahrt.
Samir kept the old correspondence with his grandmother.
Nach dem Vortrag gab es einen offenen Austausch über neue Ideen.
After the talk, there was an open exchange about new ideas.