die Kamera
camera
A technical device for taking individual pictures (photographs) or moving images (videos).
EXAMPLE
Für die Reise habe ich mir eine neue digitale Kamera gekauft.
I bought myself a new digital camera for the trip.
die Kamera
camera
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Meanings
die Kamera
camera
Refers to the perspective or angle in a film or television production. It describes what is filmed and how.
EXAMPLE
Der Regisseur wies den Schauspieler an, direkt in die Kamera zu blicken.
The director instructed the actor to look directly into the camera.
Usage tips
Important prepositions
The prepositions with 'Kamera' (camera) describe a person's role. Someone being filmed is 'vor der Kamera' (in front of the camera). Someone filming is 'hinter der Kamera' (behind the camera). Someone looking directly into the lens looks 'in die Kamera' (into the camera).
EXAMPLE
Viele Menschen sind nervös, wenn sie vor der Kamera sprechen müssen.
Many people are nervous when they have to speak in front of the camera.
Typical collocations
When referring to the device, 'Kamera' (camera) is often combined with adjectives that describe the type or function, e.g. 'digitale Kamera' (digital camera), 'versteckte Kamera' (hidden camera), or 'Überwachungskamera' (surveillance camera).
EXAMPLE
Das Geschäft wurde mit einer Überwachungskamera gefilmt.
The store was filmed with a surveillance camera.
Verbs of movement
When 'Kamera' (camera) refers to the perspective in a film, it is often used with verbs of movement. These describe how a scene is filmed, e.g. 'die Kamera schwenkt' (the camera pans) or 'die Kamera fährt' (the camera moves/tracks).
EXAMPLE
Die Kamera fährt langsam auf das Gesicht der Schauspielerin zu.
The camera slowly moves toward the actress's face.
Compare with
Kamera vs Cam
cam
Kamera and Cam can both refer to a device used for pictures or videos. Kamera is the neutral full form and works in any register, while Cam is a colloquial shortened form, especially used for a webcam or in digital everyday contexts. In neutral texts, Kamera is usually the more appropriate choice.
Kamera
Bitte schalte für den Videoanruf die Kamera ein.
Please turn on the camera for the video call.
Cam
Bitte schalte für den Videoanruf die Cam ein.
Please turn on the webcam for the video call.
In real life
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