der  Abschiedsbrief

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈapˌʃiːtsˌbʁiːf/

📜 What Exactly is an Abschiedsbrief?

An Abschiedsbrief is a letter someone writes to say goodbye to one or more people. The term has two main meanings:

• General Farewell: A letter written when someone is leaving for an extended period, for example, when moving, going on a long trip, or changing jobs. It expresses gratitude, good wishes, or personal thoughts.
• In the Context of Suicide ⚠️: A letter left by a person intending to take their own life. Such letters often contain explanations, last words, or instructions. This meaning is very serious and should be handled sensitively.

The article is always der because the base word "Brief" (letter) is masculine.

🧭 Grammar Compass: Der Abschiedsbrief

The word "Abschiedsbrief" is a masculine noun. Its declension is as follows:

Example Sentences

1. Er schrieb seinen Kollegen einen langen Abschiedsbrief, bevor er in den Ruhestand ging.
   (He wrote his colleagues a long farewell letter before he retired.)
2. Sie fand einen emotionalen Abschiedsbrief von ihrer Freundin, die ins Ausland zog.
   (She found an emotional farewell letter from her friend who was moving abroad.)
3. Der Inhalt des Abschiedsbriefes war sehr persönlich.
   (The content of the farewell letter was very personal.)
4. Die Polizei fand mehrere Abschiedsbriefe am Ort des Geschehens. (⚠️ Note the context!)
   (The police found several suicide notes at the scene.)

💬 When Do You Write an Abschiedsbrief?

An Abschiedsbrief is written in situations marking a significant departure. The context heavily dictates the tone and content:

• Professional Farewell: When leaving a company or retiring, often addressed to colleagues or superiors to express thanks and good wishes.
• Personal Farewell (Moving, Travel): To friends or family to say goodbye, keep in touch, or express feelings before being separated for a long time.
• End of a Relationship: Sometimes an Abschiedsbrief is used to end a relationship, especially if a direct conversation is difficult.
• Before Death (Natural or Suicide ⚠️): Letters containing final thoughts, wishes, or explanations. In the context of suicide, this is a very serious topic.

Important: Due to the dual meaning, be cautious in everyday language. If you mean a letter for a job change, you could say "Rundschreiben zum Abschied" (farewell circular) or "Abschiedsmail" (farewell email) to avoid misunderstandings.

🧠 Mnemonics for Abschiedsbrief

Article Mnemonic: Remember the base word: A Brief (letter) is always masculine in German, so it's der Brief. Therefore, it's also der Abschiedsbrief.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine taking your Abschied (farewell/departure) and putting your thoughts into a Brief (letter) = Abschiedsbrief (farewell letter).

🔄 Words for Farewell and Welcome

Caution: A Testament (will) is not directly an Abschiedsbrief, but it might contain personal farewell messages.

😄 A Letter to Chuckle About?

Warum hat der Computer einen Abschiedsbrief geschrieben?
Er hatte keine Speicherkapazität mehr für die Beziehung! 😉

(Why did the computer write a farewell letter?
It ran out of memory space for the relationship!) 😉

✒️ Lines of Farewell

Ein letztes Blatt, mit Tinte schwer,
Der Abschiedsbrief, er sagt: "Nicht mehr".
Mal sanft, mal tief, ein leises Wort,
Trägt fort, was war, an einen and'ren Ort.
Ein Punkt, ein Schluss, ein neuer Start,
Gefühle pur, auf seine Art.

(A final sheet, heavy with ink,
The farewell letter, it says: "No more".
Sometimes gentle, sometimes deep, a quiet word,
Carries away what was, to another place.
A period, an end, a new start,
Pure feelings, in its own way.)

❓ Who Am I? A Letter Riddle

Ich trage Worte, oft mit Schmerz,
Manchmal zum Abschied, tief im Herz.
Ich künd'ge Reisen, Neuanfang,
Doch manchmal auch den letzten Gang. ⚠️
Mein Artikel ist 'der', das ist klar,
Was bin ich wohl? Nun sag es wahr!

(I carry words, often with pain,
Sometimes for farewell, deep in the heart.
I announce journeys, new beginnings,
But sometimes also the final walk. ⚠️
My article is 'der', that much is clear,
What am I? Now tell me, dear!)

Solution: Der Abschiedsbrief

ℹ️ More Than Just Paper: Der Abschiedsbrief in Detail

Word Composition:

The word "Abschiedsbrief" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Der Abschied: The noun derived from "sich verabschieden" (to say goodbye/farewell).
• -s-: A linking element connecting the two parts (Fugen-s).
• Der Brief: A letter, a written message on paper or digitally.

Cultural Aspects:

Abschiedsbriefe often carry significant emotional weight. They are deeply personal documents offering insight into the writer's feelings and thoughts at the time of departure. Interpretation depends heavily on the context.