die Cam
webcam
Short for webcam. A small camera that is connected to a computer and mainly used for video calls or streaming.
EXAMPLE
Schalte bitte deine Cam an, damit wir dich sehen können.
Please turn on your cam so we can see you.
die Cam
cam
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Meanings
die Cam
camera
Colloquial short form for any kind of camera, for example a photo camera or video camera.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe mir für den Urlaub eine neue Cam gekauft.
I bought myself a new cam for vacation.
Usage tips
Word origin
'Cam' is a colloquial abbreviation of the English word 'camera.' In German, it is used for different kinds of cameras.
EXAMPLE
Meine neue Cam macht wirklich tolle Bilder.
My new cam takes really great pictures.
Register: colloquial
The word 'Cam' belongs to colloquial language. In more formal or technical texts, you would use the full terms such as 'Webcam' (webcam), 'Kamera' (camera), or 'Fotokamera' (photo camera).
EXAMPLE
Sorry, meine Cam funktioniert gerade nicht.
Sorry, my cam isn't working right now.
Context clue
The context makes clear what kind of camera is meant. If people are talking about computers, video conferences, or streaming, it means a webcam. If the topic is vacation, photos, or films, it means a photo or video camera.
EXAMPLE
Für das Online-Meeting muss ich meine Cam einschalten.
I have to turn on my cam for the online meeting.
Typical collocations
When 'Cam' means a webcam, it is often used with verbs such as 'anmachen' (to turn on), 'ausschalten' (to turn off), 'einschalten' (to switch on), or 'aktivieren' (to activate).
EXAMPLE
Kannst du bitte deine Cam anmachen? Ich sehe nur ein schwarzes Bild.
Can you please turn on your cam? I only see a black screen.
Compare with
Cam vs Kamera
camera
Kamera and Cam can both refer to a device used for pictures or videos. Kamera is the neutral full form and works in any register, while Cam is a colloquial shortened form, especially used for a webcam or in digital everyday contexts. In neutral texts, Kamera is usually the more appropriate choice.
Cam
Bitte schalte für den Videoanruf die Cam ein.
Please turn on the webcam for the video call.
Kamera
Bitte schalte für den Videoanruf die Kamera ein.
Please turn on the camera for the video call.
In real life
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