Druckschrift

Druckschrift is a term used in German-speaking contexts to describe a style of handwriting in which letters are printed as discrete, unconnected characters rather than joined together in a cursive flow. The word literally means “print script” and is used to distinguish block letters from Schreibschrift (cursive handwriting). In education, Druckschrift is typically taught first: children learn to form each letter separately, with clear, regular shapes, before progressing to connected writing.

In many German schools, Druckschrift is the standard used when filling out forms, writing in workbooks, or signing documents, because its letterforms are generally easier to read than cursive. The shift from highly cursive scripts to Druckschrift reflects aims of legibility and ease of learning.

Historically, German handwriting included scripts such as Kurrentschrift and Sütterlin, which are cursive and less familiar to contemporary readers. From the 20th century onward, Druckschrift gained prominence as a simpler alternative in primary education, though some curricula continue to teach cursive alongside print forms. Regional variations exist in the exact shapes and taught variants, including several simplified or standardized systems.

In typography and everyday use, Druckschrift also refers to print-like letterforms that resemble typefaces and are not joined. It is commonly encountered on forms, labels, signage, and educational materials, with instructions such as “Bitte in Druckschrift ausfüllen” (Please fill out in block letters).