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.
document
A file on a computer, especially a text file created with a program such as a text editor or spreadsheet application.
Bitte speichern Sie das Dokument ab, bevor Sie das Programm schließen.
Please save the document before closing the program.
'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?
paper
Papier and Dokument can both refer to an official written document. Dokument is the neutral and precise term for a single document; Papier sounds more informal in this sense and is often used in the plural. In a formal notice, Dokument is therefore usually the better choice.
Im Schreiben steht genau, welches Dokument noch fehlt.
The letter states exactly which document is still missing.
Am Schalter fragte ich informell, welche Papiere noch fehlen.
At the counter, I informally asked which papers were still missing.
