cardboard / license
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cardboard
A thick, stiff material made from pressed cellulose, which is sturdier than paper and is often used for packaging and boxes. A synonym for Karton.
Für den Umzug brauchen wir noch viele Kartons aus stabiler Pappe.
For the move, we still need lots of boxes made of sturdy cardboard.
driver's license
A colloquial term for a driver's license.
Wenn du zu schnell fährst, bist du deine Pappe bald los.
If you drive too fast, you'll soon lose your driver's license.
to be no joke
A colloquial expression used to say that something or someone is considerable, impressive, or not to be underestimated.
Die Prüfung war wirklich nicht von Pappe, aber ich habe sie bestanden.
The exam was really no joke, but I passed it.
The meaning of 'Pappe' (cardboard / license) depends heavily on the context. If it's about packaging or crafts, the material is meant. In the context of driving and the police, it means a driver's license. The expression 'nicht von Pappe sein' (to be no joke) describes a challenge.
Diese Kiste ist nur aus dünner Pappe, sie wird nicht halten.
This box is only made of thin cardboard; it won't hold.
Using 'Pappe' for 'Führerschein' (driver's license) is colloquial. In formal situations or at government offices, you should use the word 'Führerschein' (driver's license).
Ich habe endlich meine Pappe gemacht!
I finally got my driver's license!
In the colloquial meaning, 'Pappe' (driver's license) is often combined with verbs like 'verlieren' (to lose), 'abgeben müssen' (to have to hand in), or 'los sein' (to be rid of / to have lost).
Wer bei Rot über die Ampel fährt, ist schnell seine Pappe los.
Anyone who drives through a red light can quickly lose their driver's license.
The idiom 'nicht von Pappe sein' (to be no joke) is a fixed unit. It means that a task, a person, or a situation is demanding, difficult, or impressive.
Der Test war wirklich nicht von Pappe.
The test was really no joke.
driver's license
Der Führerschein and die Pappe can both refer to the document that allows someone to drive. Der Führerschein is the neutral term in standard German, while die Pappe sounds colloquial. Use Führerschein in official or neutral situations and Pappe mainly in casual conversation.
Beim Treffen erzählte er stolz, dass er seine Pappe endlich bekommen hatte.
At the gathering, he proudly said that he had finally gotten his driver's license.
Bitte zeigen Sie bei der Kontrolle Ihren Führerschein.
Please show your driver's license during the inspection.
