Ferdinand Schrey

German stenographer

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

Ferdinand Schrey was a German merchant who, in 1885, attempted to simplify the Gabelsberger system of shorthand. Later, his method was merged with the Stolze method, becoming the leading shorthand system in Germany and Switzerland. This combined system, known as Stolze-Schrey shorthand, was also adapted for use in several other languages. Shorthand, also called stenography, is a method of rapid writing using symbols or abbreviations for letters, words, or phrases, allowing for the quick recording of speech.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

shorthand
Modern symbol systems
In 1885 Ferdinand Schrey, a Berlin merchant, attempted to simplify the Gabelsberger system. Sometime later the Stolze and Schrey methods were merged and became the leading system in Germany and Switzerland. Stolze-Schrey shorthand was also adapted to other languages, including Danish, Dutch, English, French, Italian, Norwegian, Polish,…
Read More
In 1885 Ferdinand Schrey, a Berlin merchant, attempted to simplify the Gabelsberger system. Sometime later the Stolze and Schrey methods were merged and became the leading system in Germany and Switzerland. Stolze-Schrey shorthand was also adapted to other languages, including Danish, Dutch, English, French, Italian, Norwegian, Polish,…
Read More