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.
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.
edition / condition
'die Auflage' and 'die Unterlage' look similar, but they usually have different meanings. An 'Auflage' is often a binding condition, for example from an authority, or, in technical contexts, a surface on which something rests. 'Unterlage' usually means documents or something flat that you put under something else. Learners can easily confuse the words because of their similar form. In everyday language, people often say 'Unterlagen' for papers; 'Auflage' fits better with regulations, books, or technical support surfaces.
Vor dem Termin hat Mehmet alle Unterlagen in eine Mappe gelegt.
Before the appointment, Mehmet put all the documents into a folder.
Die Genehmigung gilt nur mit der Auflage, dass der Eingang frei bleibt.
The permit is valid only on the condition that the entrance remains clear.