01
der Ordner
folder
A virtual storage location on a computer in which files and other folders can be organized.
example
Ich habe alle Fotos vom Urlaub in einem neuen Ordner gespeichert.
I saved all the vacation photos in a new folder.
der Ordner
folder / binder / steward
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The word 'Ordner' comes from the verb 'ordnen' (to organize/arrange). So an 'Ordner' is something (a binder, a directory) or someone that or who creates order.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss meine Dokumente dringend ordnen und in die richtigen Ordner legen.
I urgently need to organize my documents and put them in the right folders.
Context clues
The context tells you which meaning is intended: words like 'Datei' (file) or 'klicken' (to click) point to the computer folder. 'Abheften' (to file) or 'Papier' (paper) point to the binder. 'Konzert' (concert) or 'Sicherheit' (security) point to the person.
EXAMPLE
Kopiere die Datei bitte in den Ordner „Projekte“.
Please copy the file into the folder 'Projekte' (Projects).
Typical verbs
In the computer context, 'Ordner' (folder) is often used with verbs such as 'erstellen' (to create), 'anlegen' (to create/set up), 'öffnen' (to open), 'verschieben' (to move), or 'löschen' (to delete).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe versehentlich den falschen Ordner gelöscht.
I accidentally deleted the wrong folder.
Typical verbs
When the binder is meant, typical verbs are 'abheften' (to file), 'einheften' (to file/insert), or 'sortieren' (to sort). The binder is also often 'im Regal' (on the shelf).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Meeting müssen wir die Protokolle im Ordner abheften.
After the meeting, we need to file the minutes in the binder.
Compare with
Ordner vs Archiv
archive
'das Archiv' and 'der Ordner' can easily be confused on a computer because both have to do with files. An Ordner is a storage location where you organize files and other folders. An Archiv, on the other hand, is a file that contains other files, often bundled together or compressed. So you open an Ordner to see the files inside it. An Archiv often has to be unzipped first before you can use the files normally. Memory tip: An Ordner is a place for files; an Archiv is itself a file with files inside it.
Ordner
Nico speichert die Präsentation im Ordner für die Schule.
Nico saves the presentation in the folder for school.
Archiv
Noah hat das Archiv entpackt, damit er die Fotos öffnen kann.
Noah unzipped the archive so that he can open the photos.
In real life
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