footprint
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footprint
The visible mark that a foot or shoe leaves on a soft surface such as sand, snow, or earth.
Am Strand konnte man deutlich die Fussabdrücke im nassen Sand sehen.
On the beach, you could clearly see the footprints in the wet sand.
footprint
A figurative term for the impact of human activities on the environment. The ecological footprint measures the consumption of natural resources and is an indicator of sustainability.
Durch weniger Fliegen und Fleischkonsum kann jeder seinen ökologischen Fussabdruck verkleinern.
By flying less and eating less meat, everyone can reduce their ecological footprint.
footprint
The total amount of data and traces that a person leaves behind when using the internet. This is also called a digital footprint.
Soziale Netzwerke und Suchanfragen tragen maßgeblich zu unserem digitalen Fussabdruck bei.
Social networks and search queries contribute significantly to our digital footprint.
The word is a clear compound of 'Fuss' (foot) and 'Abdruck' (print/impression). So it literally means a print made by a foot.
Der Jäger folgte den Fussabdrücken des Hirsches im Schnee.
The hunter followed the deer's footprints in the snow.
The figurative meaning is almost always made clear by an adjective. People speak of the 'ökologischen Fussabdruck' (ecological footprint, environment) or the 'digitalen Fussabdruck' (digital footprint, internet). Without an adjective, the literal meaning is usually meant.
Jede E-Mail, die wir senden, vergrössert unseren digitalen Fussabdruck.
Every email we send increases our digital footprint.
In the literal meaning, a footprint is often 'hinterlassen' (left behind). You can also 'den Fussabdrücken folgen' (follow the footprints).
Der Einbrecher hat schlammige Fussabdrücke auf dem Boden hinterlassen.
The burglar left muddy footprints on the floor.
In an environmental context, the goal is usually to 'verkleinern' (shrink), 'reduzieren' (reduce), or 'verbessern' (improve) one's ecological footprint.
Unsere Firma versucht, ihren ökologischen Fussabdruck stetig zu verringern.
Our company is trying to steadily reduce its ecological footprint.
On the internet, you 'hinterlässt' (leave behind) a digital footprint. You can try to 'minimieren' (minimize) or 'kontrollieren' (control) it.
Sei vorsichtig mit den Informationen, die du teilst, um deinen digitalen Fussabdruck zu schützen.
Be careful with the information you share in order to protect your digital footprint.
imprint / print
Both words refer to a mark or shape created by pressure on a surface. “Der Abdruck” is the general term, while “der Fussabdruck” specifically comes from a foot or shoe. Use Fussabdruck for this specific kind of mark and Abdruck for a mark without further specification.
Im weichen Boden blieb ein deutlicher Fussabdruck des Wanderers zurück.
A distinct footprint of the hiker was left in the soft ground.
Im weichen Boden blieb ein deutlicher Abdruck zurück.
A distinct imprint was left in the soft ground.
