der  Leserbrief

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈleːzɐbʁiːf/

📰 What Exactly is a Leserbrief?

A Leserbrief is a letter or email sent by a reader of a newspaper, magazine, or online publication to the editorial office (Redaktion). In it, the person expresses their opinion (Meinung) on a published article, a specific topic, or general concerns.

It's a form of public expression of opinion and often serves as a basis for discussion or feedback for the editors and other readers.

Because the base word "Brief" (letter) is masculine (der Brief), "Leserbrief" is also masculine: der Leserbrief.

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Der Leserbrief

The word "Leserbrief" is a masculine noun. The article is der.

Declension

Example Sentences

1. Der Leserbrief wurde auf Seite 3 der Zeitung abgedruckt.
   (The letter to the editor was printed on page 3 of the newspaper.)
2. Sie ärgerte sich über den Artikel und schrieb sofort einen Leserbrief.
   (She was annoyed by the article and immediately wrote a letter to the editor.)
3. Die Redaktion erhält täglich Dutzende Leserbriefe.
   (The editorial office receives dozens of letters to the editor every day.)
4. In seinem Leserbrief kritisierte er die Entscheidung des Stadtrats.
   (In his letter to the editor, he criticized the city council's decision.)

🗣️ How and When to Use "Leserbrief"?

Leserbriefe (letters to the editor) are an important tool for shaping opinion and fostering dialogue between the media and its readership.

• Context: They are typically found in newspapers and magazines (print or online) in a dedicated section.
• Purpose: They serve to communicate agreement (Zustimmung), criticism (Kritik), additions, or personal experiences regarding a topic or article.
• Style: The tone can be objective, emotional, critical, or laudatory, but should generally remain respectful. Many publications have guidelines for publishing Leserbriefe (e.g., length limits, requirement to state the name).
• Distinction: A Leserbrief is a personal expression of opinion from an outsider, unlike an editorial (Leitartikel) or commentary (Kommentar), which is written by an editor.

💡 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Remember that Brief (letter) is der Brief. A Leserbrief is a type of Brief, so it's also der Leserbrief. Or think: Der Leser (the reader - masculine) writes den Brief.

Meaning Mnemonic: A Leser (reader) writes a Brief (letter) to the publication = Leserbrief (letter to the editor).

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

Potential Confusion:

• Lesebrief: ⚠️ Not a standard German word. Might be mistakenly used for Leserbrief.

😄 A Little Joke

Der Chefredakteur fragt seinen neuen Volontär: "Haben Sie schon die Leserbriefe von heute sortiert?"
Antwortet der Volontär: "Ja, Chef! Die intelligenten auf einen Stapel und die dummen auf einen anderen."
Fragt der Chefredakteur: "Und woher wussten Sie, welche dumm sind?"
Sagt der Volontär: "Ganz einfach, die fangen alle an mit: 'Ich bin zwar kein Experte, aber...'"

--- English Translation ---

The editor-in-chief asks his new trainee: "Have you sorted today's letters to the editor yet?"
The trainee replies: "Yes, boss! The intelligent ones in one pile and the stupid ones in another."
The editor-in-chief asks: "And how did you know which ones were stupid?"
The trainee says: "Easy, they all start with: 'I'm no expert, but...'"

✒️ Poem about the Leserbrief

Gelesen, gedacht, die Wut entfacht,
oder Freude, die das Herz anlacht.
Zu Stift gegriffen, in die Tasten gehackt,
die Meinung raus, ganz unverpackt.

Der Leserbrief, ein kleines Stück Papier,
trägt Echo wider, von dort nach hier.
Ein Ruf ins Blatt, mal laut, mal leis,
so dreht die Meinung sich im Kreis.

--- English Translation ---

Read, then thought, the anger sparked,
Or joy, that left the heart remarked.
Reached for a pen, or keys were smacked,
Opinion out, completely unpacked.

The letter to the editor, a small paper sheet,
Carries echoes back, from there to here, bittersweet.
A call into the page, sometimes loud, sometimes low,
Thus opinion turns, in circles, to and fro.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin geschrieben, nicht gesprochen,
werde oft nach dem Lesen verbrochen.
Ich trage Lob, ich trage Tadel,
vom einfachen Bürger bis zum Adel.
In Zeitungen find' ich meinen Platz,
als Echo auf 'nen Artikelsatz.

Was bin ich?

--- English Translation ---

I am written, not spoken,
Often committed after reading has woken.
I carry praise, I carry blame,
From common folk to noble name.
In newspapers, I find my space,
As an echo to an article's phrase.

What am I?

Solution: der Leserbrief (the letter to the editor)

🧩 Other Details about the Leserbrief

Word Composition

The word "Leserbrief" is a compound noun (Kompositum), formed from:

• Leser: Reader (from lesen - to read).
• Brief: Letter.

The gender is determined by the final noun, "Brief" (der Brief), making it masculine.

Cultural Significance

In many democracies, Leserbriefe are considered an important means of civic participation and public discourse. They often reflect the mood (Stimmung) within the population.