01
zweifach
double
Describes that something consists of two parts or is present in duplicate.
example
Bitte reichen Sie den Antrag in zweifacher Ausfertigung ein.
Please submit the application in duplicate.
zweifach
twofold / double
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word formation with '-fach'
The word consists of the number 'zwei' (two) and the ending '-fach'. This ending is attached to numbers to form multipliers, as in 'einfach' (simple/single), 'dreifach' (triple), or 'mehrfach' (multiple).
EXAMPLE
Für die Prüfung müssen Sie den Stoff mindestens dreifach wiederholen.
For the exam, you must review the material at least three times.
Adjective or adverb
'Zweifach' can stand before a noun as an adjective and is then declined. It can also be used as an adverb to modify a verb or an adjective, and then it remains unchanged.
EXAMPLE
Das ist ein Formular mit zweifachem Durchschlag.
This is a form with a duplicate carbon copy.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'in duplicate,' 'zweifach' is often used in formal or technical contexts. Typical combinations are 'in zweifacher Ausfertigung' (in duplicate), 'eine zweifache Kopie' (a duplicate copy), or 'ein zweifacher Verschluss' (a double closure/lock).
EXAMPLE
Der Vertrag muss in zweifacher Ausfertigung unterschrieben werden.
The contract must be signed in duplicate.
People and titles
When it refers to people, 'zweifach' often describes a repeated role or achievement. Common examples are 'zweifache Mutter' (mother of two), 'zweifacher Vater' (father of two), or 'zweifacher Olympiasieger' (two-time Olympic champion).
EXAMPLE
Als zweifacher Weltmeister kennt er den Druck vor einem Finale.
As a two-time world champion, he knows the pressure before a final.
Compare with
zweifach vs einfach
simple / just
'einfach' and 'zweifach' can both be used in a way that counts things. In that case, it is not about whether something is easy or difficult, but about how many times something is present or in what quantity. In this context, 'einfach' means: only once or in a single copy/version. 'zweifach' means: twice, double, or consisting of two parts. Learners may confuse the words because 'einfach' very often also means 'easy'. But with words like 'zweifach', 'dreifach', or 'vierfach', the point is number or quantity.
zweifach
Am Montag hat der Kunde die Unterlagen zweifach eingereicht.
On Monday, the customer submitted the documents in duplicate.
einfach
Für das Formular reicht eine einfache Kopie des Ausweises.
A single copy of the ID is enough for the form.
In real life
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