Schriftzeichen

written character, script symbol

noun SHRIFT-tsai-khen Rare

Usage Note

Schriftzeichen refers to individual characters of any writing system, including letters, logograms, and punctuation. In linguistics and typography it encompasses both Buchstaben (letters) and non-alphabetic symbols.

Examples

"Chinesische Schriftzeichen sind für europäische Lernende besonders schwer zu merken."

Natural Translation

Chinese characters are particularly difficult for European learners to memorise.

Literal Translation

Chinese written characters are for European learners particularly difficult to remember.

Free starter pack

Building your German vocabulary?

Get the 100 most common German words as a free PDF — one email, no spam.

Related Words

Explore German by topic

GermanNow

Weil vs Denn vs Da: "Because" in German

Weil and da send the verb to the end; denn keeps it in second position. Here's how to pick the right German "because" and place the verb correctly.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

German Separable Verbs: When the Prefix Splits

German separable verbs split in two: the verb stays near the front and the prefix flies to the end. Learn the stress test and where every piece goes.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

GermanNow

German Modal Particles: doch, mal, ja, eben

German modal particles doch, mal, ja, and eben add attitude, not meaning. Before/after examples show how to use each one so your German stops sounding stiff.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

GermanNow

How to Tell Time in German Without Mistakes

Halb sieben means 6:30, not 7:30. Master telling time in German — Viertel nach, halb, vor, the 24-hour clock, and the prepositions that trip up beginners.

June 5, 2026 5 min read