manual / handbook
Loading your saved state.
manual
A book or document that contains instructions and information on how to operate a device, machine, or software. A synonym of 'Bedienungsanleitung' (instruction manual).
Wenn du nicht weißt, wie der Drucker funktioniert, lies im Handbuch nach.
If you don't know how the printer works, look it up in the manual.
handbook
A comprehensive reference work that summarizes the basic or complete knowledge of a specific field.
Für sein Studium der Botanik kaufte er sich ein umfangreiches Handbuch der Pflanzenarten.
For his studies in botany, he bought a comprehensive handbook of plant species.
The word 'Handbuch' (manual / handbook) consists of 'Hand' (hand) and 'Buch' (book). So it literally describes a book that you can easily hold in your hand or that is 'at hand' as a practical aid.
Das kleine Handbuch passt perfekt in meine Tasche.
The small handbook fits perfectly in my bag.
The context shows whether an instruction manual or a reference work is meant. If the word refers to a specific device or software, it is a manual. If it refers to an entire field of knowledge, it is a reference work.
Ich habe das Handbuch für meine neue Kamera verloren.
I lost the manual for my new camera.
When it is about an instruction manual, 'Handbuch' (manual) is often combined with certain verbs. Typical phrases are 'im Handbuch nachschlagen' (to look something up in the manual), 'das Handbuch lesen' (to read the manual), or 'laut Handbuch vorgehen' (to proceed according to the manual).
Bevor du das Gerät einschaltest, solltest du im Handbuch nachschlagen.
Before you switch on the device, you should look it up in the manual.
As a reference work, 'Handbuch' (handbook) is often accompanied by adjectives that describe its scope or character. Common combinations are 'ein umfassendes Handbuch' (a comprehensive handbook), 'ein wissenschaftliches Handbuch' (an academic handbook), or 'ein praktisches Handbuch' (a practical handbook).
Dieses umfassende Handbuch deckt alle Aspekte des Themas ab.
This comprehensive handbook covers all aspects of the topic.
documentation / documentary
Dokumentation and Handbuch can both contain information about software. Dokumentation can consist of an organized collection of different materials, while a Handbuch is intended as a single reference work or document. Use Dokumentation for the complete collection of materials and Handbuch for the individual reference work.
Im Handbuch der Software finden neue Nutzer alle wichtigen Anleitungen.
New users can find all the important instructions in the software manual.
Die Dokumentation der Software besteht aus mehreren geordneten Unterlagen.
The software documentation consists of several organized documents.
