document
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document
A written paper of an official or informative nature that serves as proof or provides information.
Für die Beantragung des Visums müssen Sie mehrere persönliche Dokumente vorlegen.
To apply for the visa, you must present several personal documents.
'Das Dokument' (document) belongs to a word family with the verb 'dokumentieren' (to document, to record something in writing) and the noun 'die Dokumentation' (documentation, collection of documents).
Es ist wichtig, alle Schritte genau zu dokumentieren.
It is important to document all steps precisely.
You can recognize the meaning from the verb: verbs like 'unterschreiben' (to sign), 'ausstellen' (to issue), or 'vorlegen' (to present) point to an official written document. Verbs like 'speichern' (to save), 'öffnen' (to open), or 'herunterladen' (to download) refer to a computer file.
Sie müssen den Vertrag ausdrucken und das Dokument unterschreiben.
You must print out the contract and sign the document.
As an official written paper, 'Dokument' (document) is often combined with verbs such as 'einreichen' (to submit), 'beantragen' (to apply for), 'prüfen' (to check), or 'fälschen' (to forge).
Für den Antrag müssen Sie die notwendigen Dokumente bei der Behörde einreichen.
For the application, you must submit the necessary documents to the authority.
As a computer file, 'Dokument' (document) is often used with verbs such as 'erstellen' (to create), 'bearbeiten' (to edit), 'speichern' (to save), 'schließen' (to close), or 'löschen' (to delete).
Hast du das Dokument gespeichert, bevor du den Computer ausgeschaltet hast?
Did you save the document before you turned off the computer?
letter
'der Brief' and 'das Dokument' are both written papers. A 'Brief' is usually a personal or business message that you write and often send by mail. A 'Dokument' is more general and often sounds more official: it can prove something, contain information, or be important for an authority. Learners can confuse the words because a 'Brief' is also a written paper. If the content is important as a message to someone, 'Brief' fits better. If it is about proof, a form, or official papers, 'Dokument' is more precise.
Für den Antrag brauche ich ein gültiges Dokument mit meiner Adresse.
For the application, I need a valid document with my address.
Der Brief an meine Freundin liegt noch auf dem Küchentisch.
The letter to my friend is still on the kitchen table.