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' 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.
support
'Unterstützung' and 'Backup' can both mean that someone or something helps when needed. 'Unterstützung' is the normal German word for help in many situations. 'Backup' is used more when a replacement person or backup solution is ready in case the first option fails. Learners may confuse the words because 'Backup' sometimes acts like 'help'. But it is more specific: a backup is often a reserve, not every kind of help.
Tom ist heute das Backup, falls die Kollegin im Kundengespräch ausfällt.
Tom is the backup today in case his colleague cannot attend the customer meeting.
Bei dem schwierigen Projekt braucht das Team mehr Unterstützung von der Leitung.
For the difficult project, the team needs more support from management.