documents / mat
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documents
Documents, files, or papers that contain information for a specific purpose. Usually used in the plural.
Bitte reichen Sie die vollständigen Bewerbungsunterlagen bis zum Ende der Woche ein.
Please submit the complete application documents by the end of the week.
mat / pad
A flat object or layer of material placed under something else to protect, support, or stabilize it.
Benutzt du eine Schreibunterlage, damit der Tisch keine Kratzer bekommt?
Do you use a writing pad so the table doesn't get scratched?
rootstock
In botany and horticulture, the part of a plant, usually the rootstock, onto which another plant variety is grafted.
Für diesen Apfelbaum wurde eine schwach wachsende Unterlage gewählt, damit er klein bleibt.
A weak-growing rootstock was chosen for this apple tree so that it stays small.
The word consists of 'unter' (under) and 'Lage' (position/layer, from 'liegen', to lie). It literally describes something that lies under something else. This basic meaning is directly recognizable with a protective mat or a plant root.
Lege bitte eine Unterlage unter den heißen Topf.
Please put a mat under the hot pot.
The meaning of the word often changes with number. In the plural ('die Unterlagen'), it almost always means documents. In the singular ('die Unterlage'), it usually means a protective mat or a base.
Haben Sie Ihre Unterlagen für das Meeting dabei?
Do you have your documents for the meeting with you?
In the plural, 'Unterlagen' (documents) often refers to official documents. Common combinations are 'Bewerbungsunterlagen' (application documents), 'Vertragsunterlagen' (contract documents), or 'Reiseunterlagen' (travel documents).
Für das Visum müssen Sie zahlreiche Unterlagen einreichen.
For the visa, you must submit numerous documents.
In the field of botany or horticulture, 'Unterlage' (rootstock) is a technical term. It refers to the root part of a plant onto which another variety is grafted.
Die Wahl der richtigen Unterlage beeinflusst die Größe des Obstbaumes.
Choosing the right rootstock influences the size of the fruit tree.
material
Material and Unterlagen can both provide information for a presentation or a study. Material is the broader term for collected information and sources, while Unterlagen refers especially to the documents and papers provided for this purpose. Use Unterlagen when specific documents are the focus.
Für den Vortrag hat sie die wichtigsten Unterlagen ausgedruckt.
She printed out the most important documents for the presentation.
Für den Vortrag hat sie viel Material aus verschiedenen Quellen gesammelt.
She collected a lot of material from various sources for the presentation.
