das Foto
photo
An image produced by photography; a photograph taken with a camera.
EXAMPLE
Sollen wir ein Foto zur Erinnerung machen?
Shall we take a photo as a keepsake?
das Foto
photo
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Usage tips
Short form of Fotografie
'Foto' is a short form of the word 'die Fotografie' (photography). In everyday language, the short form 'das Foto' (the photo) is almost always used.
EXAMPLE
Sie studiert Fotografie, macht aber privat nur selten Fotos.
She studies photography, but privately she rarely takes photos.
Typical verbs
The most common verb with 'Foto' (photo) is 'machen' (to take/make). Colloquially, you also hear 'ein Foto schießen' (to snap a photo). These expressions are very common.
EXAMPLE
Können Sie bitte ein Foto von uns machen?
Could you please take a photo of us?
Preposition 'auf'
To describe what or who can be seen in a picture, you use the preposition 'auf' with the dative. So you say 'auf dem Foto' (in/on the photo).
EXAMPLE
Wer ist die Frau da hinten auf dem Foto?
Who is the woman back there in the photo?
Compare with
Foto vs Bild
picture / image
Bild is the general term for a visual representation and can refer, for example, to a drawing, painting, or photograph. Foto more specifically refers to an image produced with a camera. If the photographic origin is important, Foto is the better choice; otherwise, Bild is broader.
Foto
Über dem Schreibtisch hängt ein mit der Kamera aufgenommenes Foto vom alten Hafen.
A photo of the old harbor taken with a camera is hanging above the desk.
Bild
Über dem Schreibtisch hängt ein gemaltes Bild vom alten Hafen.
A painted picture of the old harbor is hanging above the desk.
In real life
Loading video examples...