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
die Kopie
copy
An imitation of an object, especially a work of art, that is very similar to the original.
EXAMPLE
Das Gemälde ist eine exzellente Kopie, aber nicht das Original.
The painting is an excellent copy, but not the original.
die Kopie
copy
In a figurative, often negative sense, a person or thing that strongly imitates another and shows little originality.
EXAMPLE
Die Band ist nur eine schlechte Kopie ihrer großen Vorbilder.
The band is just a bad copy of its great role models.
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
A Kopie is an exact reproduction and can be made without any intention to deceive. A Fälschung, by contrast, is a copy that is intended to be passed off as an original. Use Kopie for an authorized or neutral reproduction, and Fälschung when it is used fraudulently.
Kopie
Für den Unterricht machte ich eine Kopie des Gemäldes, ohne sie als Original auszugeben.
I made a copy of the painting for class without passing it off as the original.
Fälschung
Das Museum erkannte, dass das Gemälde eine Fälschung war und als Original verkauft werden sollte.
The museum realized that the painting was a fake and was intended to be sold as the original.
In real life
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