German Phrase
Schreib deine Symptome deutlich auf.
Meaning
The sentence tells someone to write down their symptoms in a clear, legible way. It emphasizes both the act of recording (schreiben) and the clarity (deutlich) of the notes.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are helping a patient, a friend, or yourself keep a medical diary, especially before a doctor’s appointment or when describing health issues to a professional.
✦Grammar Breakdown
SchreibdeineSymptomedeutlichauf
Imperativ (du)
‘Schreib’ is the du‑imperative of the verb ‘schreiben’; the -e ending is dropped in spoken German.
Possessivpronomen (Akkusativ)
‘deine’ is the accusative form of the possessive pronoun ‘dein’, matching the plural noun ‘Symptome’.
Akkusativobjekt
‘Symptome’ is a plural noun in the accusative case, the direct object of ‘schreiben’.
Adverb
‘deutlich’ modifies the verb phrase, meaning ‘clearly’ or ‘clearly enough to be understood’.
Trennbares Verb
‘auf’ is the separable prefix of ‘aufschreiben’; in the imperative it is placed at the end of the sentence.
🗨In Conversation
Schreib deine Symptome deutlich auf, damit der Arzt sie gut versteht.
Write your symptoms down clearly so the doctor can understand them well.
Klar, ich notiere alles genau.
Sure, I’ll note everything precisely.
✕Common Mistakes
Schreibe deine Symptome deutlich auf.
‘Schreibe’ is the formal ‘Sie’ imperative; with ‘du’ you should use ‘Schreib’.
Schreib deine Symptome deutliche auf.
‘Deutliche’ is an adjective; the adverb needed here is ‘deutlich’.
Schreib auf deine Symptome deutlich.
With the separable verb ‘aufschreiben’, the prefix ‘auf’ must stay at the end of the clause.
↔Alternatives
Notiere deine Symptome klar und deutlich.
Note your symptoms clearly and distinctly.
Schreibe deine Beschwerden deutlich auf.
Write your complaints down clearly.
Führe eine deutliche Auflistung deiner Symptome.
Keep a clear list of your symptoms.
Cultural Tip
In German medical settings, patients are expected to provide precise, written information about their health. Using the formal ‘Sie’ form (e.g., ‘Schreiben Sie Ihre Symptome deutlich auf.’) is appropriate when speaking to a doctor or nurse, while the informal ‘du’ form is common among friends or family members.