die  Zuschrift

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈtsuːʃʁɪft/

📝 What exactly is a Zuschrift?

The German word Zuschrift (feminine, article: die) refers to a written communication addressed to someone. Often, this is a letter, an email, or a message with a specific purpose, such as an inquiry (Anfrage), a complaint (Beschwerde), an expression of opinion (Meinungsäußerung, e.g., a letter to the editor or Leserbrief), or an application (Bewerbung).

Compared to a general Brief (letter) or Nachricht (message), Zuschrift often implies a certain formality or official character, although it can also be used in private contexts.

There's only one article, die, for Zuschrift, which makes it easier to remember. 🥳

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: die Zuschrift

The noun "Zuschrift" is feminine. The article is always die.

💡 Application Examples

1. Ich habe eine Zuschrift an die Redaktion geschickt. (I sent a letter/message to the editorial office.)
2. Wir erhalten täglich viele Zuschriften von unseren Kunden. (We receive many communications/messages from our customers every day.)
3. Deine freundliche Zuschrift hat mich sehr gefreut. (Your kind message made me very happy.)
4. In seiner Zuschrift äußerte der Bürger seine Bedenken. (In his written communication, the citizen expressed his concerns.)

✍️ How to use "Zuschrift"?

The term "Zuschrift" is often used in more formal contexts, but it's not strictly limited to them.

• Official Context: Inquiries to authorities (Behörden), complaints to companies (Unternehmen), application letters (Bewerbungsschreiben), letters to the editor (Leserbriefe) for newspapers/magazines. Example: "Bitte senden Sie Ihre Zuschrift an die Personalabteilung." (Please send your written communication to the HR department.)
• Semi-formal/Private Context: A written message to an acquaintance that goes beyond mere small talk, e.g., detailed feedback or a suggestion. Example: "Danke für deine ausführliche Zuschrift zu meinem Projekt." (Thanks for your detailed message/notes regarding my project.)

Distinction from similar words:

• Brief: General term for a written message via post. A Zuschrift *can* be a Brief, but the focus is more on the content and purpose (addressed to someone).
• Nachricht: Very general term, can also be spoken or very short (SMS, chat). A Zuschrift is always written and usually more detailed.
• E-Mail: Refers to the medium. An E-Mail *can* be a Zuschrift.
• Eingabe: Often used in a legal or official context for an officially submitted document; more specific than Zuschrift.

🧠 Mnemonics for Zuschrift

Article Mnemonic (die)

Imagine a secretary (sounds a bit like 'die') carrying an important Schrift (writing) zu (to) her boss. It's die Zu-schrift. Feminine nouns often end in -t and are derived from verbs (zuschreiben - to attribute/write to).

Meaning Mnemonic (Written Communication)

A Zuschrift is a piece of Schrift (writing) that goes zu (to) someone. Think of it zooming to the recipient. ✉️➡️👤

↔️ Opposites and Similarities

⚠️ Careful, don't confuse with:

• Anschrift: Address (street, number, city).
• Aufschrift: Inscription (text written *on* something, e.g., a label).
• Überschrift: Headline/Title of a text.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef seine Sekretärin: "Haben wir heute wichtige Zuschriften bekommen?"
Antwortet sie: "Ja, eine Rechnung für Druckerpapier. Ziemlich eindringlich geschrieben!" 📄

Translation: The boss asks his secretary: "Did we receive any important communications (Zuschriften) today?"
She replies: "Yes, an invoice for printer paper. Written quite *insistently*!" (The joke plays on 'eindringlich' meaning insistent/urgent, applying it humorously to a simple invoice).

📜 A Little Poem

Ein Blatt Papier, so weiß und rein,
trägt Worte, die nicht mündlich sein.
An dich gerichtet, mit Bedacht,
als Zuschrift ist es nun gebracht.
Mal Lob, mal Tadel, mal Begehr,
die Tinte fließt, mal leicht, mal schwer.
Man liest gespannt, was drin wohl steht,
bevor die Antwort dann ergeht.

Translation:
A sheet of paper, white and pure,
Carries words that aren't spoken, for sure.
Addressed to you, composed with thought,
As a Zuschrift (written message) it's now brought.
Sometimes praise, sometimes blame, sometimes request,
The ink flows, sometimes light, sometimes stressed.
One reads intently what might be inside,
Before the answer starts to glide.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich komme per Post oder digital,
bin stets geschrieben, niemals oral.
Ich richte mich an dich, ganz klar,
ob als Lob, Kritik oder Kommentar.

Was bin ich?

Lösung / Solution: die Zuschrift

Translation:
I arrive by post or digitally,
I'm always written, never orally.
I'm addressed to you, it's clear,
Whether as praise, critique, or comment dear.

What am I?

🧩 Further Details

Word Formation

The word "Zuschrift" is a compound noun:

• zu: Preposition/prefix indicating direction or an addressee ('addressed to someone').
• Schrift: Noun referring to something written ('writing', 'script').

It derives from the verb "zuschreiben" (to attribute something to someone in writing, or simply to write to someone).

Formality

Although not exclusively formal, "Zuschrift" often carries a connotation of importance or official nature, more so than, for example, "Nachricht" (message).