noun
writing, letter
B1
Schreiben (noun) means 'writing' (the act or style of written language) and 'a letter' (a formal written notice). It is neuter (das), plural identical to singular: Schreiben. Genitive singular is des Schreibens. Useful distinction: 'ein Schreiben' often refers to an official document rather than a personal letter.
Examples
Er schickte ein kurzes Schreiben an die Firma.
He sent a short letter to the company.
Ich habe ein offizielles Schreiben von der Behörde erhalten.
I received an official letter from the authority.
Das Schreiben von E-Mails gehört zu meinem täglichen Job.
Writing emails is part of my daily job.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture a hand writing on paper with the label 'das Schreiben'.
Sounds like 'shry-ben' — imagine someone 'shrying' words onto paper.
DAS Schreiben — think of a neutral sheet of paper labeled with 'das'.
Notes
As a noun, 'das Schreiben' can refer to the act of writing or to a written document (a 'writing' or formal 'letter'). It's often uncountable when meaning the activity.