die Nachricht
message
A brief piece of information that is communicated to someone orally, in writing, or electronically.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe dir eine Nachricht auf dem Handy hinterlassen.
I left you a message on your phone.
die Nachricht
message / news
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Meanings
die Nachricht
news item
A report about a current event that is spread through media such as television, radio, or newspapers. Often used in the plural, 'die Nachrichten' (the news).
EXAMPLE
Die wichtigste Nachricht des Tages war der Rücktritt des Ministers.
The most important news item of the day was the minister's resignation.
Usage tips
Singular vs. plural
Here, number is very important for the meaning. 'Eine Nachricht' (a message) in the singular is a personal message. 'Die Nachrichten' (the news) in the plural almost always means 'the news' on television, radio, or the internet.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe eine Nachricht von meiner Freundin bekommen.
I received a message from my girlfriend.
Word structure
The word derives from 'nach' (after/to) and 'richten' (to direct). A 'Nachricht' (message/news item) is therefore information that is 'directed' toward someone or something, meaning it is communicated deliberately.
EXAMPLE
Bitte richte ihm aus, dass ich später komme.
Please tell him that I'll come later.
Typical collocations
For personal messages, German uses verbs like 'eine Nachricht schreiben' (to write a message), 'senden' (to send), 'bekommen' (to receive), 'hinterlassen' (to leave), or 'überbringen' (to deliver).
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mir später eine Nachricht schicken?
Can you send me a message later?
Typical collocations
When it comes to the news in the media, German uses verbs like 'die Nachrichten sehen' (to watch the news), 'hören' (to listen to), 'lesen' (to read), or 'verfolgen' (to follow).
EXAMPLE
Hast du heute schon die Nachrichten gehört?
Have you already heard the news today?
Compare with
Nachricht vs Information
information
Information mainly refers to factual content, while Nachricht refers to a short unit of communication sent to someone. A Nachricht therefore contains information; when the content itself is important, Information is appropriate, whereas Nachricht is more suitable when the focus is on sending it to a person.
Nachricht
Ich schicke allen Gästen eine Nachricht über den Ausfall des Konzerts.
I am sending all the guests a message about the concert being canceled.
Information
Die Information, dass das Konzert ausfällt, ist für alle Gäste wichtig.
The information that the concert has been canceled is important to all the guests.
In real life
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