written language
Loading your saved state.
written language
The standardized written form of a language used in official documents, books, and formal written correspondence. It often differs from spoken colloquial language or regional dialects.
Obwohl er im Alltag Dialekt spricht, beherrscht er die deutsche Schriftsprache perfekt.
Although he speaks dialect in everyday life, he has a perfect command of German written language.
The word is composed of 'die Schrift' (writing/script) and 'die Sprache' (language). The 's' in the middle (linking s) connects the two parts. So it refers to the language that one writes.
Die Regeln der Schriftsprache sind oft strenger als die der gesprochenen Sprache.
The rules of written language are often stricter than those of spoken language.
'Schriftsprache' (written language) is often used with verbs of learning and ability. Typical combinations are 'die Schriftsprache beherrschen' (to have a command of the written language), 'lernen' (to learn), 'anwenden' (to apply), or 'verwenden' (to use).
Für eine wissenschaftliche Arbeit muss man die akademische Schriftsprache beherrschen.
For an academic paper, you have to have a command of academic written language.
The term is especially important in the German-speaking world because there are many regional dialects. The written language, also called Hochdeutsch (High German) or Standarddeutsch (Standard German), serves as a uniform standard that ensures communication throughout the country.
In der Schule lernen alle Kinder die gleiche Schriftsprache, auch wenn sie zu Hause Dialekt sprechen.
At school, all children learn the same written language, even if they speak dialect at home.
dialect
'der Dialekt' and 'die Schriftsprache' are often opposites. A dialect is a regional form that you mainly hear in everyday life and in speech. The written language is the standardized form used in books, official texts, job applications, or forms. They can be confused because both can belong to the same language. But they fit different situations: someone might speak dialect with friends, but use written language in an official letter.
Für die Bewerbung achtet Maria darauf, dass sie klare Schriftsprache verwendet.
For the job application, Maria makes sure she uses clear written language.
Auf dem Dorf hört man noch oft den Dialekt der Region.
In the village, you can still often hear the region's dialect.