01
fotografieren
to photograph
To take a picture of something or someone with a camera, smartphone, or similar device.
example
Sie liebt es, auf Reisen alte Gebäude zu fotografieren.
She loves photographing old buildings when she travels.
fotografieren
to photograph
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Meanings
Usage tips
Verb ending '-ieren'
The ending '-ieren' is typical of many verbs that come from international or Latin words. The word 'fotografieren' (to photograph) is derived from 'Fotografie' (photography), which literally means 'writing with light'.
EXAMPLE
Viele deutsche Verben enden auf „-ieren“, zum Beispiel „studieren“ oder „reparieren“.
Many German verbs end in '-ieren', for example 'studieren' (to study) or 'reparieren' (to repair).
Use with the accusative
The thing or person being photographed is always in the accusative. You ask: Wen oder was fotografierst du? (Whom or what are you photographing?)
EXAMPLE
Im Urlaub habe ich den Sonnenuntergang fotografiert.
On vacation, I photographed the sunset.
Sich fotografieren lassen
When another person takes a photo of you, you use the construction 'sich fotografieren lassen' (to have one's photo taken). This is a very common and useful phrase.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben uns vor dem Brandenburger Tor fotografieren lassen.
We had our photo taken in front of the Brandenburg Gate.
Compare with
fotografieren vs aufnehmen
to record / take in
'aufnehmen' and 'fotografieren' can both mean capturing an image with a device. 'fotografieren' is more precise: It is always about photos taken with a camera or smartphone. 'aufnehmen' is broader and can also be used for videos or sound. With pictures, 'ein Foto aufnehmen' (to take a photo) is possible, but in everyday language people often say 'fotografieren' or 'ein Foto machen' more naturally. The confusion arises because both words fit the topic of cameras. Memory tip: You 'fotografiert' photos, but you 'nimmt' videos and sound 'auf'.
fotografieren
Nach dem Spaziergang fotografiert er die alten Häuser in der Innenstadt.
After the walk, he photographs the old houses in the city center.
aufnehmen
Am Bahnhof nehmen wir morgen ein kurzes Video für die Firma auf.
Tomorrow at the train station, we are recording a short video for the company.
In real life
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