writing / letter
das Schreiben, die Schreiben
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letter / document
A written communication or written document, especially an official letter from an authority or company.
Ich habe gestern ein Schreiben von der Versicherung erhalten.
I received a letter from the insurance company yesterday.
writing
The activity of recording words and texts in writing by hand or with the help of a device.
Das Schreiben fällt ihr wegen ihrer verletzten Hand schwer.
Writing is difficult for her because of her injured hand.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Schreiben |
| genitive | des Schreibens |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Schreiben | die Schreiben |
| accusative | das Schreiben | die Schreiben |
| dative | dem Schreiben | den Schreiben |
| genitive | des Schreibens | der Schreiben |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Das Schreiben' (writing) as an activity is a nominalized infinitive of the verb 'schreiben' (to write). This allows it to describe an action or an extended process as a noun; when it means a document, however, it is an independent noun for a written communication.
Das Schreiben eines langen Textes braucht viel Zeit.
Writing a long text takes a lot of time.
For 'das Schreiben' (letter/document) in the sense of a document, collocations with authorities and companies are typical. People often say that they receive, send, answer, or address a letter to someone.
Die Behörde hat ein Schreiben an alle Anwohner verschickt.
The authority sent a letter to all residents.
For 'das Schreiben' (writing) as an activity, prepositions or verbs that introduce or place a process in time are often used. Typical expressions include 'beim Schreiben' (while writing), 'mit dem Schreiben anfangen' (to start writing), and 'mit dem Schreiben aufhören' (to stop writing).
Beim Schreiben eines Berichts muss sie sich gut konzentrieren.
While writing a report, she has to concentrate well.
