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.
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.
paper
'das Papier' and 'die Pappe' are both materials made from cellulose. The most important difference is thickness. 'Papier' is thin and good for writing, printing, or folding. 'Pappe' is thicker and stiffer; it is often used for packaging, craft projects, or sturdy backing sheets. The words can be confused because 'Pappe' is basically a very thick, firm paper material. For a normal sheet, you say 'Papier'; for a sturdy material like what boxes are made of, you say 'Pappe'.
Herr Meier kauft Pappe, weil er eine stabile Schachtel basteln möchte.
Mr. Meier buys cardboard because he wants to make a sturdy box.
Sie nimmt ein Blatt Papier, weil sie eine Liste für die Familie schreiben will.
She takes a sheet of paper because she wants to write a list for the family.