German Phrase
Schreib die Adresse des Empfängers deutlich.
Meaning
This sentence is a direct imperative command instructing someone to record a recipient's address legibly. It features the genitive case to denote possession, specifically referring to the address belonging to the recipient.
When to use
This phrase is typically used when giving instructions for mailing letters or packages. It is common in post offices, offices, or when teaching someone how to address mail correctly.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Schreibdie Adressedes Empfängersdeutlich
Imperative (Schreib)
This is the informal singular imperative form of 'schreiben'. You drop the '-en' ending and the subject pronoun 'du' to give a direct command.
Genitive Case (des Empfängers)
The masculine singular genitive uses the article 'des' and adds an '-s' to the noun to show that the address belongs to the recipient.
🗨In Conversation
Soll ich den Namen hier oben hinschreiben?
Should I write the name up here?
Ja, und schreib die Adresse des Empfängers deutlich.
Yes, and write the recipient's address clearly.
✕Common Mistakes
Schreib die Adresse von der Empfänger deutlich.
While 'von' is sometimes used in spoken German to indicate possession, the genitive 'des Empfängers' is grammatically correct for this context.
Schreiben die Adresse des Empfängers deutlich.
Use 'Schreib' for the informal singular imperative; 'Schreiben' requires 'Sie' to form the formal imperative.
↔Alternatives
Schreiben Sie die Adresse bitte leserlich.
Please write the address legibly.
Die Empfängeradresse muss deutlich sein.
The recipient address must be clear.
Cultural Tip
German postal services rely heavily on automated sorting systems. Ensuring that the address is written clearly in the standard format—name, street and house number, then postal code and city—is crucial for timely delivery and avoiding returns.