der Abdruck
imprint
A mark or shape created by pressure on a surface.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei sicherte die Fingerabdrücke am Tatort.
The police secured the fingerprints at the crime scene.
der Abdruck
imprint / print
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Meanings
der Abdruck
print / reproduction
The printed reproduction of a text or image, for example in a newspaper or a book.
EXAMPLE
Die Zeitschrift erhielt die Genehmigung für den Abdruck des Interviews.
The magazine received permission to print the interview.
der Abdruck
impression
In dentistry, a mold of the teeth that serves as a model for making dental prostheses or braces.
EXAMPLE
Für die neue Krone musste der Zahnarzt einen Abdruck von meinem Zahn machen.
For the new crown, the dentist had to take an impression of my tooth.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Abdruck' derives from the verb 'abdrucken' (to print/reproduce) and consists of 'ab-' and 'Druck' (pressure/print). It describes the result that occurs when something is transferred onto another surface through pressure (drücken) or through printing (drucken).
EXAMPLE
Der feuchte Sand zeigte den Abdruck seiner Schuhe.
The wet sand showed the imprint of his shoes.
Context clues
The context makes the meaning clear. Words like 'Polizei' (police), 'Spur' (trace), or 'Finger' (finger) point to a mark or trace. Words like 'Zeitung' (newspaper), 'Buch' (book), or 'Foto' (photo) point to a printed copy. 'Zahnarzt' (dentist) or 'Gebiss' (set of teeth) indicate the dental context.
EXAMPLE
Der Künstler erlaubte den Abdruck seines Bildes im Ausstellungskatalog.
The artist allowed the reproduction of his picture in the exhibition catalog.
Typical compounds
In the meaning of 'Spur' (trace/mark), 'Abdruck' is often part of compound nouns. The best known are 'der Fingerabdruck' (fingerprint) and 'der Fußabdruck' (footprint).
EXAMPLE
Für den neuen Reisepass musste ich meine Fingerabdrücke abgeben.
For the new passport, I had to provide my fingerprints.
Technical context
In a medical context, especially at the dentist's, 'Abdruck' almost always means the mold of the teeth. Typical verbs in this context are 'einen Abdruck machen' (to make an impression) or 'einen Abdruck nehmen' (to take an impression).
EXAMPLE
Der Kieferorthopäde macht einen Abdruck für die Zahnspange.
The orthodontist takes an impression for the braces.
Compare with
Abdruck vs Druck
pressure / printing
Druck and Abdruck can both be associated with a text in a newspaper. Druck refers primarily to the production process, while Abdruck means the specific printed reproduction of a text or image. Use „Druck“ for producing it and „Abdruck“ for the published result.
Abdruck
Der Abdruck des Interviews erschien gestern auf der ersten Seite.
The printed version of the interview appeared on the front page yesterday.
Druck
Der Druck der Zeitung beginnt, sobald die letzte Seite fertig ist.
Printing the newspaper begins as soon as the last page is finished.
In real life
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