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
der Ordner
binder
A folder made of cardboard or plastic with a clip or ring mechanism for filing punched sheets of paper.
EXAMPLE
Bitte hefte die Dokumente in dem roten Ordner ab.
Please file the documents in the red binder.
der Ordner
steward
A person who ensures safety and order at events; part of an event security or stewarding team.
EXAMPLE
Der Ordner am Eingang kontrollierte die Eintrittskarten.
The steward at the entrance checked the tickets.
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 Akte
file / act
An Akte and an Ordner can refer to the same stack of papers in an office. The Akte means the collection of documents relating to a case, while the Ordner primarily means the binder in which punched sheets are filed. When talking about the case, use “Akte”; when talking about the container, use “Ordner.”
Ordner
Der Ordner zum Bauantrag steht mit den gelochten Blättern im Schrank.
The binder for the building application, with the punched sheets inside, is in the cabinet.
Akte
Die Akte zum Bauantrag enthält alle wichtigen Dokumente.
The file on the building application contains all the important documents.
In real life
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