to scan
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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?
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 examine / investigate
'untersuchen' and 'scannen' can both mean checking something or looking for information. 'untersuchen' is more general and means a thorough examination, for example by a doctor or in a lab. 'scannen' is more precise when a device captures images or data, such as with a CT or MRI. It can also mean quickly looking over a text or room. The risk of confusion comes from the fact that a medical scan can be part of an examination. But not every examination is a scan, and 'scannen' is often more technical or faster.
Im Krankenhaus scannen sie ihren Kopf, um die Verletzung besser zu sehen.
At the hospital, they scan her head to get a better look at the injury.
Vor der Operation untersucht der Arzt das Knie noch einmal genau.
Before the operation, the doctor examines the knee carefully once more.