TOPIC · Miscellaneous (Anders)

Common abbreviations often encountered in German

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After this lesson, learners will be able to understand and correctly use common German abbreviations.

Common Abbreviations in German

In the German language, there are many abbreviations that you will come across quite frequently. These abbreviations are used in various contexts, whether in textbooks, formal documents, or everyday communication.

Common Abbreviations

Here are some of the most common German abbreviations:

AbbreviationFull FormMeaningExample
e.g.exempli gratiaFor exampleI like fruits, e.g. apples.
i.e.id estThat isWe meet at 5 PM, i.e. exactly.
incl.inclusiveIncludingThe price is 30 Euros incl. VAT.
traineeAuszubildenderTraineeMy brother is a trainee at a bank.
etc.et ceteraAnd so onWe need bread, cheese, sausages, etc.
cf.conferCompareFor more information, cf. chapter 5.
etc.et ceteraAnd so onFor the party we need decorations, snacks, etc.
plusplusAdditionallyThe costs are 50 Euros plus shipping.
ch.chapterChapterRead ch. 3 for more information.
no.numberNumberThe task is on page 5, no. 4.
uniuniversityUniversityI study at the University of Freiburg.

Using Abbreviations

Abbreviations are used to make the text shorter and more concise. In academic papers, books, and emails, they are very useful. It's important to become familiar with the most common abbreviations to avoid misunderstandings.

Tips for Usage

  • Informal: In casual messages or emails, abbreviations are often acceptable.
  • Formal: In official documents, abbreviations should be used sparingly; explaining them might be necessary.
  • Learning: To easily memorize abbreviations, create a list and practice it regularly.

Abbreviations simplify communication and make reading more efficient. By understanding these common abbreviations, you will be better equipped to read and write German texts effectively.