signature
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signature
A person's handwritten name placed on a document in order to confirm or approve its content or to conclude a contract.
Für den Vertrag fehlt nur noch Ihre Unterschrift.
All that's missing for the contract is your signature.
The word is made up of 'unter' (under) and 'Schrift' (writing). So it literally describes writing that you place under a document in order to confirm it.
Bitte setzen Sie Ihre Unterschrift auf die markierte Linie.
Please put your signature on the marked line.
'Die Unterschrift' (signature) is the noun corresponding to the verb 'unterschreiben' (to sign). When you give a signature, you sign something.
Ich muss diesen Brief noch schnell unterschreiben.
I still need to quickly sign this letter.
Common verbs used with 'Unterschrift' (signature) are 'eine Unterschrift leisten' (to provide a signature), 'eine Unterschrift setzen' (to place/sign one's signature), or 'eine Unterschrift benötigen' (to require a signature). The first two are common in formal contexts.
Der Notar bat ihn, seine Unterschrift unter das Testament zu setzen.
The notary asked him to place his signature under the will.
signature
Unterschrift and Signatur can both refer to a handwritten name. Unterschrift is the usual term when someone confirms the contents of a document or concludes a contract. Signatur can also refer to a mark of authenticity or authorship, especially on letters or works of art.
Die Kundin bestätigt den Vertrag mit ihrer Unterschrift.
The customer confirms the contract with her signature.
Die Künstlerin bestätigt die Urheberschaft des Bildes mit ihrer Signatur.
The artist confirms that she is the creator of the painting with her signature.
