German Phrase
Schreib die Stadt und das Bundesland in dieselbe Zeile.
Meaning
This phrase is a direct instruction, typically found on forms or in administrative contexts. It means to enter both the city and the federal state on the same line, implying they should not be separated onto different lines. It emphasizes conciseness and adherence to a specific format.
When to use
You would typically encounter or use this phrase when giving instructions for filling out a form, especially for addresses, or when clarifying how information should be presented in a written document. It's common in bureaucratic or organizational settings where precise data entry is required.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Schreibdie Stadtunddas Bundeslandindieselbe Zeile
Schreib (Imperative)
This is the informal singular imperative form of the verb 'schreiben' (to write). It's used for direct commands to a single person you address with 'du'.
die Stadt (Accusative)
'Stadt' is a feminine noun. In this sentence, it's the direct object of 'schreib,' hence it takes the accusative case with the definite article 'die'.
das Bundesland (Accusative)
'Bundesland' is a neuter noun. As a direct object, it also takes the accusative case, which for neuter nouns is the same as the nominative ('das').
in (Preposition with Accusative)
The preposition 'in' can take either the dative or accusative case. Here, it indicates a direction or placement *into* something (the line), so it requires the accusative case.
dieselbe Zeile (dieselbe vs. gleiche)
'Dieselbe' (the very same one) is used when referring to an identical item, while 'gleiche' (the same kind of) refers to an item of the same type. Since it's about one specific line, 'dieselbe' is correct. 'Zeile' is feminine, so 'dieselbe' agrees in gender and case (accusative).
🗨In Conversation
Ich fülle das Anmeldeformular aus. Soll ich Stadt und Bundesland getrennt schreiben?
I'm filling out the registration form. Should I write city and federal state separately?
Nein, schreib die Stadt und das Bundesland in dieselbe Zeile.
No, write the city and the federal state in the same line.
✕Common Mistakes
Schreib die Stadt und das Bundesland in die gleiche Zeile.
While 'gleiche' also means 'same,' it implies 'the same kind of.' 'Dieselbe' is used when referring to the identical, specific item, which is appropriate here for one particular line.
Schreib die Stadt und das Bundesland auf dieselbe Zeile.
The preposition 'in' is used for 'in a line' or 'into a line,' implying placement within the line's boundaries. 'Auf' would imply 'on top of' or 'on the surface of' the line, which is less common for text placement.
↔Alternatives
Bitte gib die Stadt und das Bundesland in einer Zeile an.
Please provide the city and the federal state in one line.
Stadt und Bundesland gehören auf eine Zeile.
City and federal state belong on one line.
Cultural Tip
German culture often values precision and adherence to rules, especially in administrative tasks. Instructions like this are common on official forms, reflecting a desire for clarity and order. It's important to follow such instructions carefully to avoid misunderstandings or delays, as forms are often processed systematically and deviations can cause issues.