photo
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photo
An outdated but correct spelling of 'Foto' (photo). It refers to an image created with a camera by the effect of light on a light-sensitive layer or sensor.
In dem alten Album klebten viele schwarz-weiße Photos von meiner Großmutter.
Many black-and-white photos of my grandmother were pasted into the old album.
The word comes from the Greek 'phos' (light). Many words that have to do with light or photography share this origin, which explains the spelling with 'ph'.
Die Photosynthese ist ein Prozess, der Licht als Energiequelle nutzt.
Photosynthesis is a process that uses light as an energy source.
The spelling 'Photo' with 'ph' is an older but correct form. It is used less often today and can create a nostalgic or traditional impression.
Das Museum stellt historische Photos aus dem 19. Jahrhundert aus.
The museum exhibits historical photos from the 19th century.
Common verbs used with 'Photo' are 'ein Photo machen' (to take a photo), 'ein Photo schießen' (to snap/take a photo), or 'Photos entwickeln' (to develop photos).
Für das Familienfest hat er einen ganzen Film mit Photos geschossen.
For the family celebration, he shot a whole roll of photos.
picture / image
'das Bild' and 'das Photo' can both mean a visual representation. 'Bild' is broader: it can be a photo, a painting, a drawing, or another kind of representation. 'Photo' means only a picture taken with a camera and is an older spelling of 'Foto'. In everyday language today, people usually write 'Foto'. The words can be confused because every Photo is also a Bild. If you clearly mean a camera shot, 'Foto' or 'Photo' fits; in general, 'Bild' is safer.
Beim Frühstück zeigt mir meine Großmutter ein altes Photo aus ihrer Jugend.
At breakfast, my grandmother shows me an old photo from her youth.
Herr Klein sucht in der Bibliothek ein Bild von der alten Stadt.
Mr. Klein looks for a picture of the old city in the library.