der Laptop
laptop
A portable computer that is small and light enough to use on your lap.
EXAMPLE
Für die Zugfahrt nehme ich meinen Laptop mit, um arbeiten zu können.
I'm taking my laptop with me for the train ride so I can work.
der Laptop
laptop
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
'Laptop' is an English loanword. It is made up of 'lap' (der Schoß) and 'top' (oben drauf). Literally, it is therefore a computer that you can use on your lap.
EXAMPLE
Ich arbeite am liebsten mit dem Laptop auf dem Sofa.
I prefer working with my laptop on the sofa.
Typical verbs
Common verbs in connection with a laptop are 'aufklappen' (to open up) and 'zuklappen' (to close), as well as 'hochfahren' (to start up) and 'herunterfahren' (to shut down).
EXAMPLE
Bitte klapp deinen Laptop zu, wir machen jetzt eine Pause.
Please close your laptop; we're taking a break now.
Correct preposition
When describing that someone is working with the device, the preposition 'an' with the dative is often used. So you say 'am Laptop arbeiten' (to work on the laptop) or 'am Laptop sitzen' (to sit at the laptop).
EXAMPLE
Er saß den ganzen Nachmittag an seinem Laptop.
He sat at his laptop all afternoon.
Compare with
Laptop vs Tablet
tablet
A laptop and a tablet are portable computers, and both can be appropriate terms for a 2-in-1 device. Laptop emphasizes the computer form with a permanently integrated keyboard, while Tablet emphasizes use as a standalone screen with a touchscreen. The deciding factor is therefore which form and method of operation are most prominent.
Laptop
Für die Arbeit mit vielen Texten nutze ich das 2-in-1-Gerät als Laptop mit integrierter Tastatur.
For working with a lot of text, I use the 2-in-1 device as a laptop with an integrated keyboard.
Tablet
Für das Lesen im Zug nehme ich dasselbe 2-in-1-Gerät als Tablet und bediene es mit dem Touchscreen.
For reading on the train, I take the same 2-in-1 device as a tablet and use its touchscreen.
In real life
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