Headword
 Exclamation mark (Ausrufezeichen)
Level
 [C], [D]
Language
 German
Topic
 Punctuation
Definition

As in English an exclamation mark is used to show that the writer is expressing strong feelings, such as annoyance, surprise or amusement.

It may be used with a single word, a phrase or a sentence, and has the force of a full stop, being followed by a capital letter: Ruhe! (Quiet!) Mach schnell,bitte! (Hurry up please!) Gehen wir nach Hause! (Let's go home!)
Notes

1. Exclamation is a sentence type, most often used in spoken German to express emotion or give commands.

2. Command forms are often expressed as polite requests in German by adding the word bitte (please) before the exclamation mark.
Compare
 Use of exclamation marks in English, French, Italian or Spanish.
Concept
 Written style
See also

Full stop, Question mark

English, French, Spanish