der Anhang
attachment
A document, file, or other part that is attached to an email, letter, or another written document.
EXAMPLE
Im Anhang finden Sie meinen Lebenslauf und meine Zeugnisse.
Please find my résumé and certificates in the attachment.
der Anhang
attachment / appendix / entourage
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Meanings
der Anhang
appendix
A supplementary section at the end of a book or academic paper that contains additional information such as tables, sources, or explanations.
EXAMPLE
Weitere Details zur Methodik stehen im Anhang des Berichts.
Further details about the methodology are in the appendix of the report.
der Anhang
entourage
A group of people who accompany or support someone; their following. It can sometimes have a slightly derogatory meaning.
EXAMPLE
Der Popstar reiste nie ohne seinen großen Anhang aus Stylisten und Assistenten.
The pop star never traveled without his large entourage of stylists and assistants.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is derived from the verb 'anhängen' (to attach). An 'Anhang' (attachment / appendix / entourage) is therefore literally something that is 'angehängt' (attached) to something else. This logic applies to email attachments, appendices in books, and also groups of people.
EXAMPLE
Bitte hängen Sie die Dokumente als PDF an.
Please attach the documents as a PDF.
Context clue
The context reveals the meaning. If it is about emails or letters, it refers to a file. In books or reports, it is the final section. If people are being discussed, it means their entourage or following.
EXAMPLE
Die Datei ist zu groß für den Anhang.
The file is too large for the attachment.
Fixed preposition
When referring to an email attachment or a book appendix, the preposition 'in' with the dative is almost always used to describe where the information is located: 'im Anhang' (in the attachment / in the appendix).
EXAMPLE
Im Anhang dieser E-Mail befindet sich das Protokoll der Sitzung.
The minutes of the meeting are in the attachment to this email.
Slightly derogatory tone
When 'Anhang' (entourage) is used for a group of people, it can have a slightly negative or ironic undertone. It implies that the people are not independent and merely follow along.
EXAMPLE
Der Chef kam mit seinem gesamten Anhang zur Firmenfeier.
The boss came to the company party with his entire entourage.
Compare with
Anhang vs Anlage
facility / attachment / investment
Anlage and Anhang can both refer to a document or file attached to a letter. Anhang is the more general term, while Anlage is particularly common in formal correspondence. In a formal letter, use Anlage; otherwise, Anhang is usually more common.
Anhang
Bitte öffnen Sie den Anhang unserer E-Mail mit den aktuellen Unterlagen.
Please open the attachment to our email containing the latest documents.
Anlage
Bitte beachten Sie die Anlage zu unserem formellen Schreiben.
Please see the attachment to our formal letter.
In real life
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