01
die Kopie
copy
An exact reproduction or duplication of an original, for example a document, photo, or file.
example
Für die Bewerbung brauche ich eine Kopie meines Zeugnisses.
For the application, I need a copy of my certificate.
die Kopie
copy
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Die Kopie' (the copy) is the noun for the verb 'kopieren' (to copy). When you copy something, you get a copy. This connection helps you remember both words.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du dieses Dokument für mich kopieren? Ich brauche dringend eine Kopie.
Can you copy this document for me? I urgently need a copy.
Preposition 'von'
To express what something is a reproduction of, you use the preposition 'von' followed by the dative.
EXAMPLE
Das Museum stellt eine Kopie von der berühmten Mona Lisa aus.
The museum is exhibiting a copy of the famous Mona Lisa.
Typical verbs
In everyday language, people usually say 'eine Kopie machen' (to make a copy). In more formal contexts, especially in government offices or in the office, the verb 'anfertigen' (to produce/make) is often used.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss noch schnell eine Kopie von meinem Ausweis machen.
I still need to quickly make a copy of my ID.
Important term: certified copy
A 'beglaubigte Kopie' (certified copy) is a copy whose agreement with the original has been officially confirmed. It is often needed for university applications or official purposes.
EXAMPLE
Für die Einschreibung an der Universität müssen Sie eine beglaubigte Kopie Ihres Zeugnisses einreichen.
For enrollment at the university, you must submit a certified copy of your certificate.
Figurative meaning
In a figurative sense, 'Kopie' (copy) is often used negatively for a person or thing that has no identity of its own and only imitates something else. Common adjectives in this context are 'schlechte' (bad) or 'billige' (cheap).
EXAMPLE
Die Kritiker nannten die Band eine billige Kopie von den Beatles.
The critics called the band a cheap copy of the Beatles.
Compare with
Kopie vs Fälschung
forgery / fake
'die Kopie' and 'die Fälschung' can both mean something that was made after an original. The important difference is the intention. A 'Kopie' can be completely permitted and normal, for example a copy of a document or a photo. A 'Fälschung' is meant to deceive: it is made as if it were genuine. That is why 'Fälschung' always sounds like fraud or something forbidden. The words can be confused because every 'Fälschung' can be a kind of 'Kopie'. But not every 'Kopie' is a 'Fälschung'.
Kopie
Für den Antrag brauche ich nur eine Kopie meines Ausweises.
For the application, I only need a copy of my ID.
Fälschung
Im Urlaub merkte mein Bruder, dass die teure Uhr eine Fälschung war.
On vacation, my brother realized that the expensive watch was a fake.
In real life
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