certificate
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certificate
An official document that certifies a particular qualification, characteristic, or participation in something.
Nach erfolgreichem Abschluss des Sprachkurses erhielt sie ein Zertifikat.
After successfully completing the language course, she received a certificate.
You can recognize the meaning of 'Zertifikat' (certificate) from the context. If it is about education, courses, or qualifications, it means a document. In the context of the stock market, investments, and shares, it refers to a financial product.
Für die Bewerbung brauche ich ein Zertifikat über meine Englischkenntnisse.
For the application, I need a certificate of my English skills.
When 'Zertifikat' (certificate) means an official document, the preposition 'über' (+ accusative) is used to describe exactly what is being certified.
Alle Teilnehmer bekommen am Ende ein Zertifikat über die erfolgreiche Teilnahme.
At the end, all participants receive a certificate of successful participation.
In connection with official documents, 'Zertifikat' (certificate) is often combined with the verbs 'erhalten' (to receive), 'bekommen' (to get), 'ausstellen' (to issue), or 'vorlegen' (to present).
Die Universität stellt die Zertifikate erst nächste Woche aus.
The university will not issue the certificates until next week.
In a financial context, the preposition 'auf' (+ accusative) describes what the security refers to, that is, which underlying asset its price depends on.
Sie kaufte ein Zertifikat auf den deutschen Aktienindex.
She bought a certificate on the German stock index.
letter
'der Brief' and 'das Zertifikat' are both written things that you can receive or send. A letter is normally a message. A certificate is an official confirmation, for example for an exam, a course, or a special characteristic. The words can be confused when both come on paper and look official. Still, their purpose is different: a letter communicates something, while a certificate certifies something. When it is about a qualification or participation, 'Zertifikat' is more precise.
Nach dem Sprachkurs bekommt Greta ein Zertifikat für die Prüfung.
After the language course, Greta receives a certificate for the exam.
Am Wochenende schreibt sie einen Brief an ihren Chef wegen der Arbeit.
On the weekend, she writes a letter to her boss about work.