German spelling, grammar and punctuation rules
What we check, and which rulebook we follow
We proofread according to the Duden. This page shows the areas that matter in our proofreading: spelling, grammar and punctuation, plus style, expression, sentence structure and repetition. Each area comes with a short example of the kind of problem it covers.
Which rules apply to German spelling?
The binding basis is the official rulebook of the Council for German Orthography (Rat für deutsche Rechtschreibung). The Duden reflects this norm and adds editorial recommendations, usage notes and help with doubtful cases. Where the two appear to differ, we keep the norm and the recommendation apart.
The seven areas
1. Spelling
Capitalisation, separate or joint writing, and doubtful pairs such as seit and seid or das and dass.
Example: Eine Hand voll Teeblätter mit kochendem Wasser übergießen.
2. Punctuation
Commas between clauses, around inserted phrases and with infinitive groups; also quotation marks, colons and dashes.
Example: Kommas sind für viele immer noch ein Mysterium. See comma rules.
3. Style
Register and tone that fit the text type, and a consistent voice from the first page to the last.
Example: Also habe ich ein Experiment gemacht.
4. Expression
Precise, idiomatic wording instead of pleonasms and clumsy phrases.
Example: Der weiße Schimmel... (a pleonasm)
5. Grammar
Case, agreement, verb forms and mood, including the subjunctive in reported speech.
Example: Deutsche Sprache, schwere Sprache.
6. Sentence structure
Word order and clear reference, so that a sentence cannot be read in two ways.
Example: Wilde Tiere jagen. (hunting animals, or hunting wild animals?)
7. Repetition
Repeated words and sounds that tire the reader. A synonym often helps, but not always.
Example: Vor dem Experiment experimentierte ich... See synonyms.
Why correct spelling matters
In a bachelor thesis, a master thesis or a dissertation, spelling mistakes, grammar errors and wrong punctuation are a common reason for lost points. Universities expect error-free language as a sign of academic care. In job applications, a single typo can make the difference between an invitation and a rejection.
The rules are complex. The reform of 1996 changed a great deal, and today there are still many doubtful cases in which even practised writers are unsure. A second reader finds what your own eye overlooks.
How our proofreading helps
Our proofreaders apply the rules to your text and check spelling, grammar, commas, sentence structure and stylistic consistency. Changes are marked with tracked changes and commented, so you can see what was changed and why. Your documents are treated confidentially and deleted no later than 7 days after processing is complete. Transfer is SSL-encrypted and processing is GDPR-compliant. Proofreading costs from €1.90 per standard page (1,800 characters including spaces), with no subscription.
For an English text, see English proofreading. To check a text for originality, use our plagiarism checker and AI detector.
Go further
Comma rules
When a comma is needed
Comma checker
Check commas in your text
Grammar checker
Find grammar problems
Word meanings
Words and their meanings
Abbreviations
Common German abbreviations
Synonyms
Alternatives to repeated words
Inclusive language
Gender forms of German
Glossary
German language terms
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