das  Anschreiben

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈanʃʁaɪbn̩/

📄 What Exactly is 'das Anschreiben'?

Das Anschreiben (noun, neuter) primarily refers to a formal cover letter or letter of application, accompanying a submission, especially a job application. It serves to address the recipient, explain the purpose of the submission, and often to outline one's motivation.

• Job Application Context: Here, it's the central document highlighting suitability and motivation for a position (often synonymous with Bewerbungsschreiben or Motivationsschreiben).
• General Context: It can also be a formal letter used to officially contact an authority, a company, or a person to present a request or submit information.

It's a nominalized verb, derived from the verb 'anschreiben' (to write to).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Das Anschreiben

Das Anschreiben is a *nominalized verb* and therefore neuter (*sächlich*). It is mainly used in the singular.

A plural form (die Anschreiben) is grammatically possible but very rarely used. One usually talks about "mehrere Anschreiben" (several cover letters) or "den Anschreiben" (the cover letters).

📝 Example Sentences

1. Das Anschreiben für die neue Stelle war schwer zu formulieren.
   (The cover letter for the new job was difficult to formulate.)
2. Bitte fügen Sie Ihrer Bewerbung ein aussagekräftiges Anschreiben bei.
   (Please attach a meaningful cover letter to your application.)
3. Der Genitiv lautet "des Anschreibens", z.B. "Trotz des überzeugenden Anschreibens erhielt er eine Absage."
   (The genitive is 'des Anschreibens', e.g., 'Despite the convincing cover letter, he received a rejection.')

💡 How 'das Anschreiben' is Used

The term das Anschreiben is used almost exclusively in formal contexts:

• Job Applications (Bewerbungen): The most common use case. It's the first page of the application portfolio and aims to arouse interest.
• Official & Business Correspondence: When submitting documents or making inquiries to authorities or companies, an Anschreiben often serves as an accompanying document explaining the content.
• Formal Requests: Used for official complaints or inquiries to institutions.

Distinction: A Brief is a more general term for a written message. An Anschreiben is more specific, usually part of a larger submission or serving a clearly defined formal purpose. A Motivationsschreiben (letter of motivation) emphasizes personal motivation more strongly than a standard Anschreiben.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

• Article Mnemonic: Nominalized verbs in German are usually neuter (*sächlich*). Anschreiben comes from the verb anschreiben -> das Anschreiben. Imagine the neutral, blank sheet of paper (das Blatt Papier) that you are writing on (an).
• Meaning Mnemonic: Think of "writing to someone" (an jemanden schreiben). The Anschreiben is the first thing the recipient reads; it directly addresses them (spricht sie an). It's the key 🔑 to the application or request.

🔄 Similar and Opposing Terms

Related Terms (Caution ⚠️):

• Brief: General term for letter.
• E-Mail: Electronic form of correspondence, can contain or replace an Anschreiben.
• Anschrieb (der): Obsolete or regional term for "credit" or "buying something on credit". Do not confuse! 🚨

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Personaler den Bewerber: "Ihr Anschreiben war ja sehr kreativ. Woher hatten Sie die Idee, es als Klopapierrolle einzureichen?"
Bewerber: "Ich wollte zeigen, dass ich bereit bin, jede Rolle anzunehmen!" 😉

(HR manager asks the applicant: "Your cover letter was very creative. Where did you get the idea to submit it as a toilet paper roll?"
Applicant: "I wanted to show that I'm prepared to take on any role!")

(Note: This is a pun on the German word 'Rolle', which means 'role' and 'roll'.)

✒️ Poem about the Anschreiben

Das Blatt liegt weiß, der Stift bereit,
Für das Anschreiben ist es Zeit.
Formell der Ton, der Inhalt klar,
Für den Job, der wunderbar.
Man schreibt sich an, mit Fug und Recht,
Das macht das Anschreiben nicht schlecht.

(The page lies white, the pen is ready,
For the cover letter, it is time, steady.
Formal the tone, the content clear,
For the job, that's held so dear.
One writes unto, by custom's right,
That doesn't make the letter slight.)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin kein Brief, doch sprech' dich an,
Begleite oft den Lebensplan.
Bei Bewerbung bin ich Pflicht,
Zeig Motivation und wahres Gesicht.

Was bin ich? → Das Anschreiben

(I'm not a letter, yet I address you,
I often accompany life's plan, it's true.
For applications, I am required,
Show motivation and face desired.

What am I?
→ The cover letter / das Anschreiben)

🧩 Further Details

Word Composition:

Das Anschreiben is a *substantivization* (Nominalisierung) of the separable verb anschreiben. This verb is composed of:

• Prefix: an- (expresses direction, approach, or beginning)
• Root verb: schreiben (to write)

The meaning of the verb anschreiben (to write to someone, to write something down/note) is directly reflected in the meaning of the noun.

Trivia: In the age of digital applications, the Anschreiben is often pasted directly into the email body or attached as a PDF file.