eine SMS schreiben
To write a text message
Literalmente: An SMS to write
Use this phrase for any quick digital message sent from your phone to someone else.
En 15 segundos
- Standard way to say you are sending a text message.
- Uses the verb 'schreiben' with the feminine noun 'die SMS'.
- Works for both traditional texts and modern messaging apps.
Significado
This phrase is the standard way to say you're sending a text message. Even though we use apps like WhatsApp now, Germans still use this term for almost any short mobile message.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Running late for a meeting with a friend
Ich bin spät dran, ich schreibe ihm eine SMS.
I'm running late, I'll write him a text message.
Asking a colleague for information
Können Sie mir bitte eine SMS mit der Adresse schreiben?
Could you please write me a text with the address?
Confirming a plan with a partner
Schreib mir eine SMS, wenn du fertig bist.
Write me a text when you are finished.
Contexto cultural
The SMS (Short Message Service) became a cultural phenomenon in Germany during the late 90s. It led to the creation of the verb 'simsen', which was even added to the Duden dictionary. Despite the dominance of WhatsApp, the term 'SMS' remains a generic trademark for texting in many German households.
The Dative Secret
Always remember the person you are texting is in the Dative case. It's 'dir' (to you) or 'ihm' (to him), not 'dich' or 'ihn'!
Gender Matters
SMS is feminine: 'die SMS'. Even though it's an abbreviation, Germans are very consistent with this.
En 15 segundos
- Standard way to say you are sending a text message.
- Uses the verb 'schreiben' with the feminine noun 'die SMS'.
- Works for both traditional texts and modern messaging apps.
What It Means
Eine SMS schreiben is your go-to phrase for digital texting. In Germany, the term SMS stuck around long after the technology changed. You use it when you want to tell someone you'll reach out via phone. It specifically refers to the act of composing that short message. It is simple, direct, and very common.
How To Use It
You treat schreiben like any regular German verb. The person receiving the text goes in the dative case. The SMS itself is the direct object in the accusative case. For example, Ich schreibe dir eine SMS. It is a weak verb, so it follows the standard conjugation patterns you learn early on. Don't overthink the grammar; just focus on who is getting the message.
When To Use It
Use this when you are running late for coffee. Use it when you need to send a quick address to a friend. It works perfectly when you are in a loud place. You can also use it at work for quick updates. It is the universal 'I will ping you' of the German language. It feels active and helpful in a busy world.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for long-form communication. If you are writing a 500-word life update, call it eine E-Mail. If you are using a pen and paper, use einen Brief. Avoid using it for very formal legal notifications. Also, if you are actually calling someone, use anrufen instead. Sending an SMS is quick; don't use it for deep emotional breakthroughs if you can help it.
Cultural Background
Germany was a pioneer in mobile culture in Europe. For years, SMS was the only way to communicate without calling. Because Germans value efficiency, the short format became a national favorite. Even today, older generations might call every digital message an SMS. It represents the transition from the analog world to the digital pocket-sized one. It is a tiny piece of modern German history.
Common Variations
You might hear the slang verb simsen. This is a fun, shorter way to say the same thing. Some people also say eine Nachricht schicken. However, eine SMS schreiben remains the most classic version. It sounds a bit more deliberate than just 'sending' a message. It implies you are taking a moment to type it out.
Notas de uso
The phrase is perfectly neutral and safe for all situations. Just ensure you use the dative case for the recipient (e.g., 'mir', 'dir', 'ihm').
The Dative Secret
Always remember the person you are texting is in the Dative case. It's 'dir' (to you) or 'ihm' (to him), not 'dich' or 'ihn'!
Gender Matters
SMS is feminine: 'die SMS'. Even though it's an abbreviation, Germans are very consistent with this.
WhatsApp is King
While people say 'SMS', they are almost certainly using WhatsApp. It's the dominant messaging app in Germany.
Ejemplos
6Ich bin spät dran, ich schreibe ihm eine SMS.
I'm running late, I'll write him a text message.
A common way to announce a delay.
Können Sie mir bitte eine SMS mit der Adresse schreiben?
Could you please write me a text with the address?
Using 'Sie' makes this appropriate for professional contexts.
Schreib mir eine SMS, wenn du fertig bist.
Write me a text when you are finished.
The imperative form 'Schreib' is used here for a direct request.
Oma braucht zehn Minuten, um eine SMS zu schreiben.
Grandma needs ten minutes to write a text message.
Highlights the 'writing' aspect of the phrase.
Hast du meine SMS gelesen? Ich habe sie gestern geschrieben.
Did you read my text? I wrote it yesterday.
Uses the past tense (Perfekt) of the phrase.
Er schreibt mir jeden Morgen eine süße SMS.
He writes me a sweet text message every morning.
Shows the phrase used in a romantic or caring context.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence to say 'I am writing a text message to my friend (male)'.
Ich ___ meinem Freund eine SMS.
The verb 'schreiben' is the correct partner for 'eine SMS'.
Choose the correct article for SMS.
Kannst du mir ___ SMS schreiben?
SMS is a feminine noun in German (die SMS), so the accusative form is 'eine'.
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Ayudas visuales
Formality Spectrum of 'eine SMS schreiben'
Using 'simsen' instead.
Lass uns simsen!
Texting friends or family.
Ich schreib dir 'ne SMS.
Standard daily communication.
Ich schreibe eine SMS.
Quick updates to a boss or client.
Ich schreibe Ihnen eine SMS.
When to reach for 'eine SMS schreiben'
At the Train Station
Updating someone on arrival times.
At Work
Sending a quick confirmation to a colleague.
With Friends
Asking 'Where are you?'
Dating
Sending a 'good night' message.
Preguntas frecuentes
11 preguntasIt literally means 'to write an SMS'. In German, we use the verb schreiben because you are typing out text.
Yes! Even though WhatsApp isn't technically an SMS, Germans use this phrase as a general term for mobile messaging.
It is feminine: die SMS. So you say eine SMS in the accusative case.
Yes, simsen is a very common informal verb that means the exact same thing. It's a bit more casual.
You say Ich schreibe dir eine SMS. Remember to use the dative dir for the person.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend without any issues.
Rarely. Most use data-based apps, but the terminology has stayed the same because it's so ingrained.
The plural is also SMS. For example: Ich habe viele SMS bekommen (I received many texts).
Yes, eine Nachricht schreiben (to write a message) is a very common and slightly more modern alternative.
Don't use the verb machen (to make). You never 'make' an SMS in German; you always schreiben (write) it.
No, this phrase is understood and used identically from Berlin to Munich to Zurich.
Frases relacionadas
jemanden anrufen
to call someone
eine Nachricht schicken
to send a message
simsen
to text (slang/informal verb)
per WhatsApp schicken
to send via WhatsApp
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