to scan
Loading your saved state.
to scan
To digitally capture a document, photo, or page with a scanner in order to create an image file of it on the computer.
Könntest du bitte diesen Brief scannen und mir per E-Mail schicken?
Could you please scan this letter and send it to me by email?
to scan
To read a barcode or QR code with a reader in order to retrieve information or register a price.
An der Kasse scannt die Kassiererin die Artikel nacheinander.
At the checkout, the cashier scans the items one after another.
to scan
To examine a body or body part with a medical device (e.g., CT, MRI) in order to obtain detailed images of the inside.
Die Ärzte müssen seinen Kopf scannen, um eine Verletzung auszuschließen.
The doctors need to scan his head to rule out an injury.
to scan
To look over something (e.g., a text, a list, a room) quickly and superficially in order to find a specific piece of information or person.
Er scannte die Passagierliste, fand aber seinen Namen nicht.
He scanned the passenger list but did not find his name.
The object of the verb 'scannen' (to scan) reveals the exact meaning. You scan documents (digitize them), barcodes (read them), body parts (examine them medically), or lists (look through them quickly).
Ich muss noch schnell die Rechnung für die Buchhaltung scannen.
I still need to quickly scan the invoice for accounting.
'Scannen' (to scan) is a loanword from English that is fully integrated into the German language and grammar. It is conjugated like a regular German verb (ich scanne, du scannst, er hat gescannt).
Hast du die alten Familienfotos schon alle gescannt?
Have you scanned all the old family photos yet?
In the context of retail and logistics, 'scannen' (to scan) is often used with codes. Typical objects are 'den Barcode' (the barcode), 'den QR-Code' (the QR code), 'das Ticket' (the ticket), or 'den Artikel' (the item).
Bitte scannen Sie den QR-Code auf Ihrem Ticket am Eingang.
Please scan the QR code on your ticket at the entrance.
In this figurative meaning, 'scannen' (to scan) describes a quick, searching glance. You can scan texts, rooms, or crowds in order to find something specific.
Er scannte die Gesichter in der Menge, konnte seine Freunde aber nicht finden.
He scanned the faces in the crowd but could not find his friends.
to search
Both words can mean visually checking something for information or a person. „Scannen“ emphasizes a quick, superficial overview, while „durchsuchen“ refers to a systematic and thorough search. Use „scannen“ for a first impression and „durchsuchen“ for a targeted search.
Ich scannte die Liste schnell, um den Namen meiner Freundin zu finden.
I quickly scanned the list to find my friend’s name.
Die Polizei durchsuchte den Raum gründlich nach dem verlorenen Schlüssel.
The police searched the room thoroughly for the lost key.
