der Papierkorb
wastepaper basket
A container used to collect waste, especially paper.
EXAMPLE
Wirf das zerknüllte Blatt bitte in den Papierkorb.
Please throw the crumpled sheet of paper into the wastepaper basket.
der Papierkorb
wastepaper basket / trash
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
der Papierkorb
trash / recycle bin
A virtual folder on a computer where deleted files are temporarily stored before they are permanently removed.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe die Datei aus Versehen gelöscht, aber sie ist zum Glück noch im Papierkorb.
I accidentally deleted the file, but luckily it's still in the trash.
Usage tips
Word composition
This word is made up of 'Papier' (paper) and 'Korb' (basket). So it literally means a basket for paper, which makes the meaning very easy to understand.
EXAMPLE
Der Papierkorb neben dem Schreibtisch ist schon wieder voll.
The wastepaper basket next to the desk is full again already.
Correct preposition
The preposition 'in' is used with either the accusative or dative depending on the context. Movement is expressed with 'in den Papierkorb' (into the wastepaper basket/trash; accusative), while a location is expressed with 'im Papierkorb' (in the wastepaper basket/trash; dative).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe das Dokument aus Versehen in den Papierkorb verschoben.
I accidentally moved the document to the trash.
Context clue
You can tell from context whether the physical or virtual container is meant. Words like 'Datei' (file), 'klicken' (to click), 'verschieben' (to move), or 'wiederherstellen' (to restore) point to the computer trash/recycle bin.
EXAMPLE
Du kannst die gelöschten Fotos aus dem Papierkorb wiederherstellen.
You can restore the deleted photos from the trash.
Typical verbs
In connection with the physical container, the verbs 'werfen' (to throw), 'leeren' (to empty), or 'ausleeren' (to empty out) are often used.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du bitte den Papierkorb ausleeren? Er ist ganz voll.
Could you please empty the wastepaper basket? It's completely full.
Compare with
Papierkorb vs Mülleimer
trash can / recycle bin
Both words can refer to a container for waste or to a virtual folder for deleted files. Mülleimer is more commonly used for general or mixed waste, while Papierkorb is used especially for paper and, on a computer, for the virtual folder. So pay attention to whether the context is physical or digital and to the type of waste.
Papierkorb
Die gelöschte Datei liegt noch im Papierkorb des Computers.
The deleted file is still in the computer's recycle bin.
Mülleimer
Bitte wirf die leere Verpackung in den Mülleimer unter dem Schreibtisch.
Please throw the empty packaging into the trash can under the desk.
In real life
Loading video examples...