to write down
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to write down
To record something in writing, to write it down in order to document it or not forget it.
Die Protokollantin muss alles, was gesagt wird, genau niederschreiben.
The minute-taker has to write down exactly everything that is said.
'Niederschreiben' (to write down) is a separable verb. The prefix 'nieder-' separates from the verb in a main clause and goes to the end of the sentence. The prefix emphasizes the idea of recording something permanently and carefully.
Er schrieb seine Erlebnisse in einem Tagebuch nieder.
He wrote down his experiences in a diary.
As a separable verb, 'niederschreiben' (to write down) changes its form depending on the sentence type. In a main clause it is separated, in a subordinate clause it stays together, and in an infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' goes in the middle.
Der Zeuge schrieb seine Aussage nieder.
The witness wrote down his statement.
The verb 'niederschreiben' (to write down) belongs to a more formal and often literary style of language. It implies more care and finality than the more everyday word 'aufschreiben' (to write down).
Der Dichter zog sich zurück, um seine Gedanken niederzuschreiben.
The poet withdrew in order to write down his thoughts.
to write
'schreiben' and 'niederschreiben' both have to do with written language. 'schreiben' is the normal, general word: you write words, messages, emails, or texts. 'niederschreiben' sounds more specific and somewhat more formal. It usually means recording thoughts, information, or a text in writing so that they remain or are not forgotten. Learners may confuse the words because in both cases something goes onto paper or into the computer. In everyday life, 'schreiben' is usually more natural; 'niederschreiben' fits better when you deliberately document or record something.
Nach dem Gespräch schreibt sie die wichtigsten Punkte in ihr Heft nieder.
After the conversation, she writes down the most important points in her notebook.
Simon schreibt seiner Freundin vor dem Termin noch schnell eine Nachricht.
Simon quickly writes his girlfriend a message before the appointment.