01 email
die Mail
An electronic message sent over a computer network from one sender to one or more recipients; an email.
example
Ich schicke dir die Dokumente später per Mail.
I'll send you the documents later by email.
die Mail
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Meanings
Usage tips
False friend
Careful: 'die Mail' in German always means an electronic message (email). The English word 'mail' can also refer to physical post, which is 'die Post' in German.
EXAMPLE
Ich warte auf eine wichtige Mail von meinem Chef.
I'm waiting for an important email from my boss.
Word origin
'Mail' is a shortened form of the word 'E-Mail' and comes from English. In German, it is used very frequently in both spoken and written language.
EXAMPLE
Hast du meine Mail von gestern bekommen?
Did you get my email from yesterday?
Fixed expression
The combination 'per Mail' (by email) is a very common fixed expression. It means 'by means of an email' or 'via email'.
EXAMPLE
Ich schicke Ihnen die Rechnung per Mail zu.
I will send you the invoice by email.
Typical verbs
Common verbs used with 'Mail' (email) are: eine Mail 'schreiben' (to write), 'senden' (to send), 'bekommen' (to get), 'lesen' (to read), 'beantworten' (to answer), and 'weiterleiten' (to forward).
EXAMPLE
Bitte beantworte diese Mail so schnell wie möglich.
Please answer this email as quickly as possible.
Compare with
Mail vs Nachricht
message / news
'die Nachricht' and 'die Mail' can both be a piece of information that you send to someone. 'Nachricht' is more general: it can come by phone, orally, in writing, or electronically. 'Mail' more specifically means an electronic message, that is, an email. The words can be confused because an email is also a message. If the method is not important, 'Nachricht' fits; if it is explicitly about email, 'Mail' is more precise.
Mail
Bitte lies die Mail vom Chef noch vor dem Termin.
Please read the email from the boss before the appointment.
Nachricht
Tom hat mir eine kurze Nachricht geschickt, weil er später kommt.
Tom sent me a short message because he is coming later.
In real life
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