01
texten
to text
Colloquial for writing and sending a short message (SMS) or a message via a messenger service such as WhatsApp.
example
Ich texte dir später, wann ich ankomme.
I'll text you later when I arrive.
texten
to text / to write
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'texten' is derived directly from the noun 'der Text' (the text). This formation is common in German, especially for modern activities.
EXAMPLE
Er hat den ganzen Vormittag an diesem wichtigen Text gearbeitet.
He worked on this important text all morning.
Context clue
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'texten' from context. In everyday life, with reference to a mobile phone, it almost always means sending a message. In a professional context, it is about writing professional texts, and in a musical context, about song lyrics.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mir kurz texten, wenn du fertig bist?
Can you text me quickly when you're done?
Register
In the meaning 'to send a message', 'texten' is very colloquial and is used mainly in spoken language and informal chats.
EXAMPLE
Text mir mal ein Foto von deinem neuen Auto!
Text me a photo of your new car!
Use with dative
When you say whom you are writing a message to, that person is usually in the dative. The most common form is 'jemandem texten' (to text someone).
EXAMPLE
Ich muss meiner Mutter noch schnell texten, dass ich später komme.
I still need to quickly text my mother that I'll be coming later.
Compare with
texten vs schreiben
to write
'schreiben' and 'texten' can both mean that you formulate words in writing or send a message. 'schreiben' is the more general word and works for letters, emails, articles, assignments, or messages. 'texten' often sounds colloquial and especially refers to short messages by phone or messenger. It can also mean composing a text, but then it is less neutral than 'schreiben'. Learners may confuse the words because in everyday life you can hear both 'Ich schreibe dir' (I'll write/message you) and 'Ich texte dir' (I'll text you). The safer rule is: use 'schreiben' for almost all written texts, and 'texten' for quick phone messages.
texten
Sie textet ihrem Bruder schnell, dass sie später nach Hause kommt.
She quickly texts her brother that she will come home later.
schreiben
Nach dem Termin schreibe ich meiner Chefin eine kurze E-Mail.
After the appointment, I'll write my boss a short email.
In real life
Loading video examples...