der Drucker
printer
A computer peripheral device that transfers digital documents or images onto paper or other materials.
EXAMPLE
Die Tinte in meinem Drucker ist schon wieder leer.
The ink in my printer is empty again.
der Drucker
printer
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Meanings
der Drucker
printer
A person who works professionally in a print shop and operates printing machines.
EXAMPLE
Der Drucker überprüfte die Qualität der frisch gedruckten Plakate.
The printer checked the quality of the freshly printed posters.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'Drucker' (printer) is derived from the verb 'drucken' (to print). The ending '-er' in German can refer both to a person who performs an activity and to a tool or device that carries out that activity.
EXAMPLE
Der Bäcker backt Brot.
The baker bakes bread.
Context clue
You can always tell from the context whether the device or the person is meant. Words like 'Tinte' (ink), 'Papier' (paper), 'installieren' (to install), or 'kaputt' (broken) point to the device. Terms like 'Ausbildung' (training/apprenticeship), 'Beruf' (profession), or 'Druckerei' (print shop) point to the person.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss für meinen Drucker neues Papier kaufen.
I need to buy new paper for my printer.
Typical collocations
When referring to the device, 'Drucker' (printer) is often used with these verbs: 'einen Drucker anschließen' (to connect a printer), 'installieren' (to install), or 'einrichten' (to set up). The combination 'der Drucker funktioniert nicht' (the printer isn't working) is also very common.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mir helfen, den neuen Drucker zu installieren?
Can you help me install the new printer?
Typical collocations
When the person is meant, typical formulations are 'als Drucker arbeiten' (to work as a printer) or 'eine Ausbildung zum Drucker machen' (to do an apprenticeship as a printer).
EXAMPLE
Mein Onkel hat 40 Jahre lang als Drucker in einer großen Zeitung gearbeitet.
My uncle worked as a printer at a major newspaper for 40 years.
In real life
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