01
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
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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.
Compare with
Drucker vs Scanner
scanner
'der Drucker' and 'der Scanner' are both devices often used with a computer or in an office. The important difference is the direction: a printer turns a digital file into paper. A scanner turns a piece of paper or a photo into a digital file. The words can be confused because many modern devices can do both. If you want something on paper, you need 'der Drucker' (the printer). If you want to bring a paper document into the computer, you need 'der Scanner' (the scanner).
Drucker
Der Drucker im Büro hat den Vertrag nur halb ausgedruckt.
The printer in the office only printed half of the contract.
Scanner
Vor dem Termin habe ich den Ausweis mit dem Scanner kopiert.
Before the appointment, I copied the ID with the scanner.
In real life
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