01
die Schrift
handwriting
The personal, individual way of writing by hand; handwriting.
example
Ich kann seine Schrift kaum lesen, er kritzelt so.
I can barely read his handwriting; he scribbles so much.
die Schrift
writing / script
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 05
Usage tips
Word family
'Die Schrift' belongs to the word family of the verb 'schreiben' (to write). All meanings have to do with the written word, whether by hand, as a system, or as a text.
EXAMPLE
Schon als Kind hatte er eine sehr ordentliche Schrift.
Even as a child, he had very neat handwriting.
Typical collocations
When 'Schrift' (handwriting) means handwriting, it is often described with adjectives such as 'leserlich' (legible), 'unleserlich' (illegible), 'schön' (beautiful/neat), or 'deutlich' (clear). You can 'lesen' (read) or 'entziffern' (decipher) someone's handwriting.
EXAMPLE
Seine Schrift ist so unleserlich, dass ich den Brief nicht entziffern kann.
His handwriting is so illegible that I can't decipher the letter.
Context clue
When referring to a writing system, 'Schrift' (script) is often specified by a culture or a name. Examples include 'die arabische Schrift' (the Arabic script), 'die kyrillische Schrift' (the Cyrillic script), or 'die chinesische Schrift' (Chinese writing/characters).
EXAMPLE
Für meinen Russischkurs muss ich die kyrillische Schrift lernen.
For my Russian course, I have to learn the Cyrillic script.
Register and usage
In the meaning of 'published text', 'Schrift' (writing/text) is used mainly in academic and formal contexts for a treatise or tract. Typical verbs are 'verfassen' (to write/compose) or 'veröffentlichen' (to publish).
EXAMPLE
Die Historikerin hat eine wichtige Schrift über das Mittelalter veröffentlicht.
The historian published an important text on the Middle Ages.
Context clue
In the context of computers, design, or printing, 'Schrift' (font/typeface) means a typeface or font. Typical verbs here are 'auswählen' (to select), 'ändern' (to change), or 'installieren' (to install).
EXAMPLE
Kannst du für das Dokument bitte eine andere Schrift auswählen?
Could you please select a different font for the document?
Fixed expression
In the religious meaning, the fixed expression 'die Heilige Schrift' (Holy Scripture) is used almost exclusively to refer to the Bible.
EXAMPLE
Im Gottesdienst las der Priester aus der Heiligen Schrift vor.
During the church service, the priest read from Holy Scripture.
Compare with
Schrift vs Buch
book
'das Buch' and 'die Schrift' can both be a published text. However, 'Buch' is much more common for a complete work that you read, buy, or borrow. In this meaning, 'Schrift' sounds more formal and often refers to a shorter academic, religious, or informative text. Learners may confuse the words because both can refer to texts. In everyday language, people usually say 'Buch'. 'Schrift' fits better when the text is meant as a document or treatise.
Schrift
Der Professor empfiehlt eine kurze Schrift über die Geschichte der Stadt.
The professor recommends a short text about the history of the city.
Buch
Jana liest zur Vorbereitung ein Buch über italienische Küche.
Jana reads a book about Italian cuisine to prepare.
In real life
Loading video examples...