file
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file
A collection of data that is stored under a specific name on a computer or another digital storage medium; a computer file.
Ich habe dir das File mit den Fotos per E-Mail geschickt.
I sent you the file with the photos by email.
'File' is an English loanword that is used especially in the IT industry and in everyday office language. It is pronounced as in English.
Kannst du mir das File für die Präsentation schicken?
Can you send me the file for the presentation?
This word refers exclusively to a digital file on a computer or another storage medium. It is not used for physical files or paper folders.
Ich kann das Video-File nicht öffnen, es ist zu groß.
I can't open the video file; it's too large.
Common verbs used with 'File' (file) are: ein File speichern (to save a file), öffnen (to open), schließen (to close), senden (to send), herunterladen (to download), or löschen (to delete).
Vergiss nicht, das File zu speichern, bevor du das Programm schließt.
Don't forget to save the file before you close the program.
document
'das Dokument' and 'das File' can both mean a digital file on a computer. 'Dokument' fits especially well when it is a text file, a form, or a file with content to read or edit. 'File' is a more general word from computer language and can mean any stored collection of data, for example an image, a video, or a program file. Learners can confuse the words because both occur in the digital context. As a simple guide: for texts and forms, 'Dokument' sounds more natural; for technical files, 'File' can fit.
Im Büro hat Anna nach dem Gespräch den Namen des Files geändert.
At the office, Anna changed the name of the file after the conversation.
Jonas hat dem Prüfer am Morgen das Dokument für die Anmeldung geschickt.
Jonas sent the examiner the document for registration in the morning.