der Karton
box
A box or container made of cardboard, usually used for packaging, transport, or storage.
EXAMPLE
Für den Umzug müssen wir noch Kartons besorgen.
We still need to get boxes for the move.
der Karton
box / cardboard
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
der Karton
cardboard
A firm, thick paper material used to make boxes and packaging.
EXAMPLE
Der Umschlag war aus stabilem Karton, damit nichts geknickt wird.
The envelope was made of sturdy cardboard so that nothing would get bent.
der Karton
carton
A packaging unit that contains several individual packs, especially cigarettes (then also called 'Stange' in German).
EXAMPLE
Im Duty-Free-Shop kaufte er einen Karton Zigaretten.
In the duty-free shop, he bought a carton of cigarettes.
Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning depends on whether the word is used countably or uncountably. 'Ein Karton' (a box) is a countable container, while 'aus Karton' (made of cardboard) describes the uncountable material.
EXAMPLE
Ich brauche einen großen Karton für diese Bücher.
I need a large box for these books.
Typical collocations
In the context of containers, 'Karton' (box) is often associated with moving or storage. Typical words and phrases are 'Umzugskarton' (moving box), 'Kartons packen' (to pack boxes), or 'Kartons stapeln' (to stack boxes).
EXAMPLE
Alle Bücher sind schon in Kartons verpackt.
All the books are already packed in boxes.
Use as a material
When 'Karton' means the material cardboard, it often appears with the preposition 'aus' (made of). In this use, it has no plural.
EXAMPLE
Die Verpackung ist aus recyceltem Karton.
The packaging is made of recycled cardboard.
Specific packaging unit
As a packaging unit, 'ein Karton' (a carton) refers almost exclusively to a large pack containing several cartons or packs of cigarettes.
EXAMPLE
Er hat am Flughafen einen ganzen Karton Zigaretten gekauft.
He bought a whole carton of cigarettes at the airport.
Compare with
Karton vs Box
box
Both words can refer to a box-shaped container for storing or transporting things. Karton emphasizes that the container is made of cardboard and usually serves as packaging; Box does not specify the material. Use Karton for typical cardboard packaging; otherwise, Box is often suitable.
Karton
Die Bücher kamen in einem großen Karton mit der Post.
The books arrived by mail in a large cardboard box.
Box
Ich bewahre die alten Fotos in einer stabilen Box auf.
I keep the old photos in a sturdy box.
In real life
Loading video examples...