A periodical, magazine, or journal that is published once a week.
example
Er liest regelmäßig eine politische Wochenschrift, um über das aktuelle Geschehen informiert zu sein.
He regularly reads a political weekly journal to stay informed about current events.
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is clearly made up of 'die Woche' (the week; here in the plural form 'Wochen') and 'die Schrift' (writing/publication). So it refers to a written work or publication that appears weekly.
EXAMPLE
Diese wissenschaftliche Wochenschrift informiert über neue Forschungsergebnisse.
This scientific weekly journal provides information about new research findings.
Word family
The word follows a pattern for publications. Similar formations are 'die Monatsschrift' (published monthly) or 'die Jahresschrift' (published yearly). The first part of the word always indicates the publication schedule.
EXAMPLE
Der Verein publiziert eine kleine Monatsschrift für seine Mitglieder.
The association publishes a small monthly journal for its members.
Typical verbs
Typical verbs used with 'Wochenschrift' (weekly journal) are 'lesen' (to read), 'abonnieren' (to subscribe to), 'herausgeben' (to publish), or 'veröffentlichen' (to publish/release).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe die Wochenschrift seit drei Jahren abonniert.
I have subscribed to the weekly journal for three years.
Compare with
confusable
Wochenschrift vs Zeitung
newspaper
'Zeitung' and 'Wochenschrift' can both appear regularly and contain texts on current topics. The difference is mainly in the type of publication and how often it appears. A 'Zeitung' often appears daily or several times a week and reports especially on current news. A 'Wochenschrift' appears once a week and is more like a periodical, magazine, or journal. Learners may confuse the words because both can be read in print or digitally. In everyday language, 'Zeitung' is much more general and natural; 'Wochenschrift' sounds more specific and fits better with magazines or specialist publications.
Wochenschrift
Die Wochenschrift erscheint jeden Freitag und enthält viele Artikel über Politik und Kultur.
The weekly journal appears every Friday and contains many articles about politics and culture.
Zeitung
Heute berichtet die Zeitung über den neuen Fahrplan der Stadt.
Today the newspaper is reporting on the city's new timetable.