German Phrase
Was soll ich in die Notiz schreiben?
Meaning
The speaker is asking for guidance on what content to put into a short written note. It’s a polite request for a suggestion rather than a command.
When to use
Use this sentence when you need to ask a colleague, teacher, or friend what information should be included in a brief note—e.g., a reminder on a desk, a sticky‑note for a meeting, or a short message left for someone.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WassollichindieNotizschreiben?
Was (interrogative pronoun)
Used to ask about something unknown; placed at the beginning of a question.
soll (modal verb)
Expresses suggestion or recommendation; followed by an infinitive.
Verb‑second (V2) word order
In main clauses the finite verb occupies the second position; after the fronted question word, the modal verb 'soll' is second.
ich (subject pronoun)
First‑person singular pronoun, follows the finite verb in V2 questions.
in die Notiz (prepositional phrase, accusative)
The preposition 'in' with a definite article 'die' triggers the accusative case because it indicates movement into something.
schreiben (infinitive)
The main verb appears in infinitive after a modal verb.
🗨In Conversation
Was soll ich in die Notiz schreiben?
What should I write in the note?
Schreibe bitte, dass du morgen um 10 Uhr kommst.
Please write that you’ll come tomorrow at 10 a.m.
✕Common Mistakes
Was muss ich in die Notiz schreiben?
Using 'muss' changes the meaning to an obligation rather than a request for suggestion.
Was soll ich in das Notiz schreiben?
The article must agree with the gender of 'Notiz' (feminine) and the preposition 'in' with movement takes the accusative.
Was soll ich in die Notiz schreibst?
After a modal verb the infinitive form is required, not a conjugated verb.
↔Alternatives
Was soll ich auf die Notiz schreiben?
What should I write on the note?
Was soll ich in die Mitteilung schreiben?
What should I write in the message?
Was darf ich in die Notiz eintragen?
What may I enter in the note?
Cultural Tip
In German, 'Notiz' usually refers to a short, informal reminder (like a sticky note). For more formal written messages you might use 'Mitteilung' or 'Nachricht'. When asking for a suggestion, the modal verb 'sollen' is preferred over 'müssen', which would imply an obligation rather than a request for advice. Adding 'bitte' after the answer makes the request sound courteous.