Textsbrief

Textsbrief is a term used in digital communication and linguistics to describe a short, letter-like text. It blends the formality of traditional letters with the brevity of modern messaging, producing messages that are compact but structured.

The term originated in German-language studies of correspondence and workplace communication in the 2010s. It is used to distinguish ultra-brief messages that retain some epistolary features from longer emails, memos, or chat posts.

Typical textsbriefs are brief enough to fit in a single screen, often lasting only one or two sentences, yet they usually preserve elements of a letter such as a greeting and a closing. They commonly appear in corporate channels, customer service, and personal messaging where efficiency is valued.

An example might read: "Guten Tag Frau Meier, bitte senden Sie mir die Unterlagen bis Freitag. Mit freundlichen Grüßen, Thomas." Such messages aim for politeness and clarity while avoiding unnecessary detail.

In research, textsbrief is discussed in relation to tone, politeness strategies, and the ergonomics of digital writing. Proponents view it as a practical compromise between formality and speed; critics warn that it can reduce nuance and lead to ambiguity.

Related concepts include email, text messaging, letters, and epistolary forms, as well as broader discussions of business communication.