German Phrase
Ich schick dir eine kurze Erinnerungsmail.
Meaning
This phrase literally translates to "I send you a short reminder email." It's a common and informal way to offer to send a follow-up email, often used to ensure someone remembers an appointment, task, or piece of information. It implies a helpful and proactive approach in communication.
When to use
Use this phrase in informal or semi-formal settings, typically with colleagues, friends, or acquaintances. It's perfect when you want to confirm something, remind someone about an upcoming event, or follow up on a discussion without being overly formal. It's a polite way to ensure clarity and prevent misunderstandings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
IchschickdireinekurzeErinnerungsmail
Ich
'Ich' is the first-person singular pronoun, meaning 'I'. It is always capitalized at the beginning of a sentence.
schick (schicken)
'Schick' is an informal, shortened form of the verb 'schicken' (to send). In spoken German, it's very common to drop the '-en' ending for verbs ending in '-cken' or '-chen' in the first-person singular present tense.
dir
'Dir' is the dative form of the informal pronoun 'du' (you). Verbs like 'schicken' (to send) take a dative object for the person who receives something.
eine
'Eine' is the indefinite article 'a/an'. Here, it is in the accusative feminine singular form, agreeing with the feminine noun 'Erinnerungsmail'.
kurze
'Kurze' is the adjective 'short'. It takes the '-e' ending because it modifies a feminine noun ('Erinnerungsmail') in the accusative case. Adjective endings change based on gender, number, and case.
Erinnerungsmail
'Erinnerungsmail' is a compound noun meaning 'reminder email'. German frequently combines nouns to create new, specific meanings. The gender of a compound noun is determined by its last component, which in this case is 'die Mail' (feminine).
🗨In Conversation
Hast du dir den Termin notiert?
Did you note down the appointment?
Ja, aber ich schick dir eine kurze Erinnerungsmail, damit du es nicht vergisst.
Yes, but I'll send you a short reminder email so you don't forget it.
✕Common Mistakes
Ich sende dich eine kurze Erinnerungsmail.
The verb 'schicken' (or 'senden') takes a dative object for the person receiving the item, not an accusative object. 'Dir' is the dative form of 'du' (you, informal).
Ich schick dir eine kurze Erinnerungsmail senden.
'Schick' is already the conjugated verb in the first person singular. You do not need an additional infinitive verb like 'senden' after it.
↔Alternatives
Ich schicke dir eine kurze Mail zur Erinnerung.
I'll send you a short email as a reminder.
Ich melde mich nochmal per Mail.
I'll get in touch again by email.
Ich sende dir eine Erinnerung.
I'll send you a reminder.
Cultural Tip
Germans generally value punctuality and clear, direct communication. Offering to send a reminder email, especially in professional or organizational contexts, is seen as a polite and efficient way to ensure that tasks are completed and appointments are kept. While 'schick' is an informal shortening of 'schicken', it's widely accepted in many everyday and workplace interactions, reflecting a practical approach to language.