
Writing technique is a method or procedure which will guide you to understand the language better. So quickly go through the writing techniques in German.
Use of Punctuation Marks in German
The English and German punctuation marks look and sound similar as they are derived from common Greek origin.
Punctuation marks in German
| German | English | Symbols |
| das Semikolon | semicolon | ; |
| eckige Klammern | brackets | [ ] |
| runde Klammern | round brackets (BE) | ( ) |
| der Gedankenstrich | long dash | – |
| das Ausrufezeichen | exclamation mark | ! |
| die Auslassungspunkte | ellipsis dots | …. |
| der Punkt | full stop | . |
| das Komma | comma | , |
| das Fragezeichen | question mark | ? |
German uses the dash to specify a contrast, a delayed continuation or to indicate a pause.
A comma in German language is used in the same way as English. It is used to connect two independent clauses without a conjunction (or, but, and).
German uses comma in numerical expressions such as: €26,87. But for bigger numbers it uses a decimal point or space to divide thousands such as: 8 930 000.
When a noun or name ends in an s-sound (spelled –ce, -x, ss, -s, -tz), then apostrophe is used at the end. For example: Alice’Haus,Aristoteles’ Werke, Felix’Auto.
Two types of quotation marks are used in German language. In modern books, “Chevron” style quotation mark (<< >>) is used whereas in hand-written correspondence; Web; and e-mail, normal international quotation marks (“ ”) are used.
Capitalization in German
Capitalization of all nouns is mandatory in German language. In German, the rules for capitalization are not complicated like most other languages. Noun-capitalization makes it easier for German-students to spot a noun (das Hauptwort, das Substantiv). German capitalizes the first letter in a sentence, days of the week and months, titles, and proper names. German does not capitalizes few words such as: deutscher Wein (German wine), amerikanisches Auto (American car), and ich (I). Adjectives are not capitalized in German, even if German-speakers refer to nationality: ein deutsches Bier (a German beer), der amerikanische Präsident (the American president). The only exemption to this rule is when an adjective is part of a common expression, certain holidays, an official title, historical or geographic term, or species name: der Heilige Abend (Christmas Eve), der Weiße Hai (the great white shark), Regierender Bürgermeister ("ruling" mayor), die Schwarze Witwe (the black widow [spider]), der Nahe Osten (the Middle East), der Zweite Weltkrieg (the Second World War).
Salutation in German
| Dear Mr. Maier: | Sehr geehrter Herr Maier, Lieber Herr Maier |
| Dear Ms. / Mrs. Maier: | Sehr geehrte Frau Maier,Liebe Frau Maier |
| Dear Madame: (no name) | Sehr geehrte gnädige Frau |
| Dear Sirs: | Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren |
| Dear Sir: (no name) | Sehr geehrter Herr |
Starting phrases of a formal letter
When you are writing to a person who holds the abbreviation Dr. = Sehr geehrte Frau Dr. Kunze (Dear Dr. Kunze)
When you are writing to a person whom you don’t know = Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren (Ladies and gentlemen)
When you are writing to a couple = Sehr geehrte Frau Voss, Sehr geehrter Herr Voss (Dear Ms. Voss, Mr Voss)
When you are writing to a person, whose name is known to you = Sehr geehrter Herr Schwarz (Dear Mr. Schwarz)
Starting phrases of an informal letter
When you are writing to a person with whom you have developed a good relationship = Liebe Frau Fischer (Dear Mrs. Fischer)
When you are writing to more than one person = Liebe Natalie, lieber Peter (Dear Natalie, dear Peter)
Ending phrases of a formal letter = Es grüßt Sie, Mit besten Grüßen, Mit freundlichen Empfehlungen Hochachtungsvoll etc. (Kind regards, With best regards, Sincerely Yours recommendations etc).