backup
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backup
A backup copy of digital data that is created so that an earlier version can be used in case of data loss.
Ich mache jede Woche ein Backup meiner gesamten Festplatte auf einem externen Laufwerk.
I make a backup of my entire hard drive on an external drive every week.
backup
A person or thing that is available as a replacement or support if the first option fails. Often used in sports or professional contexts.
Wir haben einen zweiten Sänger als Backup, falls der Hauptsänger krank wird.
We have a second singer as backup in case the lead singer gets sick.
'Backup' is a word from English that is used as a noun in German. That is why it is capitalized and needs an article, in this case 'das'.
Hast du ein aktuelles Backup von deinen Fotos gemacht?
Have you made a current backup of your photos?
You can easily recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about computers, data, or software, it means a backup copy. If it is about people, teams, or plans, it means a replacement or support.
Ohne ein Backup sind die Firmendaten jetzt verloren.
Without a backup, the company data is now lost.
In a technical context, 'Backup' (backup) is often combined with the verbs 'machen' (to make), 'erstellen' (to create), or 'anlegen' (to set up/create). To use a copy, one says 'einspielen' (to import/restore) or 'wiederherstellen' (to restore).
Vergiss nicht, vor dem Update ein Backup zu erstellen.
Don't forget to create a backup before the update.
When a person or thing serves as a replacement, this is often expressed with the preposition 'als' (as). Typical formulations are 'jemanden als Backup haben' (to have someone as backup) or 'etwas als Backup mitnehmen' (to take something along as backup).
Der Techniker hat für den Notfall einen zweiten Laptop als Backup dabei.
The technician has a second laptop with him as backup for emergencies.
replacement / compensation
Both words refer to a person or thing that can step in if something fails. Backup, however, emphasizes being available as a precaution and is more informal, while Ersatz can also be obtained only after the failure. Backup is suitable for a planned reserve, while Ersatz is suitable for a general replacement solution.
Für den Fall eines Ausfalls stand im Büro bereits ein Backup-Drucker bereit.
There was already a backup printer ready in the office in case of a breakdown.
Als der Drucker ausfiel, kaufte die Schule schnell einen Ersatz.
When the printer broke down, the school quickly bought a replacement.
