01
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
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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
'die Kamera' and 'die Cam' can both mean a device used to take photos or videos. That is why they can be confused. 'Kamera' is the normal, neutral word and fits in almost all situations. 'Cam' is short and colloquial. It often means a webcam on a computer, but sometimes also a photo or video camera in general. In formal texts, or when you want to be precise, 'Kamera' is more natural. 'Cam' fits better in casual conversations about video chats, streaming, or technology.
Cam
Beim Videoanruf hat Max seine Cam ausgeschaltet.
During the video call, Max turned off his cam.
Kamera
Für die Reise kauft Lena eine neue Kamera mit einem guten Objektiv.
For the trip, Lena buys a new camera with a good lens.
In real life
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