hole punch
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hole punch
An office tool used to punch holes in paper so that it can be filed in a folder or binder.
Kannst du mir bitte den Locher geben? Ich muss diese Dokumente abheften.
Could you please give me the hole punch? I need to file these documents.
punch operator
A person or machine that was historically responsible for punching punch cards or punched tape. This meaning is very rare today.
In den Anfängen der Datenverarbeitung war der Beruf des Lochers, der Daten auf Lochkarten übertrug, weit verbreitet.
In the early days of data processing, the occupation of punch operator, who transferred data onto punch cards, was widespread.
The word 'Locher' (hole punch) is derived from the noun 'das Loch' (hole). The ending '-er' in German can refer both to a tool (something that does something) and to a person. This explains the two meanings of the word: the office tool and the historical job title.
Der neue Locher stanzt bis zu 20 Blätter gleichzeitig.
The new hole punch punches up to 20 sheets at the same time.
'Der Locher' (the hole punch) belongs to the word family around 'das Loch' (hole). The related verb is 'lochen' and means to make a hole in something, usually in paper.
Ich muss diese Blätter noch lochen, bevor ich sie abhefte.
I still need to punch holes in these sheets before I file them.
In everyday office language, 'Locher' (hole punch) is often used with verbs like 'benutzen' (to use), 'brauchen' (to need), or 'sich leihen' (to borrow). The goal is usually to 'abheften' (file) documents or papers.
Könnte ich mir kurz deinen Locher leihen?
Could I borrow your hole punch for a moment?
The meaning of a person who punches punch cards is outdated today and is only used in historical contexts about the early days of computer technology. In everyday life, it always means the office tool.
In alten Rechenzentren arbeiteten viele Locherinnen und Locher.
In old data centers, many female and male punch operators worked.
