In 15 Seconds
- To make a physical paper copy using a machine.
- Essential for German bureaucracy and university life.
- Use 'kopieren' for digital files instead of this.
Meaning
It describes the act of making a physical paper copy of a document using a machine. It's what you do when you need a 'hard copy' of your ID or a page from a textbook.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a university library
Ich muss diese Buchseite schnell fotokopieren.
I need to photocopy this book page quickly.
At a government office
Könnten Sie bitte Ihren Ausweis fotokopieren?
Could you please photocopy your ID?
Texting a classmate
Hast du die Notizen schon fotokopiert?
Have you photocopied the notes yet?
Cultural Background
The 'Kopierkarte' is a staple of student life. You buy it for 5-10 Euros and 'abtelefonieren' (use up) the credit at the machines. It's a rite of passage for university students. Bureaucracy often requires a 'beglaubigte Kopie'. This means you can't just fotokopieren it yourself; an official must do it and stamp it to prove it's real. Similar to Germany, the 'Kopiergeschäft' is common in university towns like Vienna, often doubling as a place to bind theses (Diplomarbeiten). In Swiss offices, precision is key. You might be asked to fotokopieren 'doppelseitig' (double-sided) to save paper, reflecting Swiss environmental values.
The -ieren Rule
Remember: No 'ge-' in the past! This applies to all verbs like 'studieren', 'telefonieren', and 'fotokopieren'.
Paper Jams
If the machine stops, say '{der|m} Papierstau'. It's the most common phrase you'll need after 'fotokopieren'.
In 15 Seconds
- To make a physical paper copy using a machine.
- Essential for German bureaucracy and university life.
- Use 'kopieren' for digital files instead of this.
What It Means
Fotokopieren is simply making a paper copy.
Imagine standing at a big, warm machine.
You put a paper in, light flashes, and out comes a twin.
It is a very standard, practical German word.
How To Use It
Treat it like any regular German verb.
You say ich fotokopiere for "I am photocopying."
In the past, use hat fotokopiert.
"I have photocopied the contract" becomes Ich habe den Vertrag fotokopiert.
It is a long word, but don't let it scare you.
Just break it down: foto and kopieren.
When To Use It
Use it whenever physical paper is involved.
Are you at the Bürgeramt (citizens' office)?
They will definitely ask you to fotokopieren your ID.
Are you a student sharing notes?
You will head to the Copyshop to fotokopieren.
It is perfect for professional and academic settings.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for digital files.
If you move a file on your computer, use kopieren.
Fotokopieren implies a physical machine and light.
Also, don't use it for taking a photo.
That would be fotografieren.
Mixing these up might result in some funny looks!
Cultural Background
Germany has a deep, soul-searching relationship with paper.
We call it Papierkram, and it is everywhere.
Digitalization is coming, but the physical copy is still king.
Many official processes require a beglaubigte Fotokopie (certified copy).
This means a human checked your copy against the original.
It feels very old-school, but it is very German.
Common Variations
Most people just say kopieren to save time.
It is shorter and everyone knows what you mean.
You might also hear eine Kopie machen.
In a very formal office, someone might say vervielfältigen.
That sounds fancy, but fotokopieren is your reliable friend.
Usage Notes
The verb is neutral and safe for all contexts. Just remember that 'kopieren' is the more common, versatile choice in casual conversation.
The -ieren Rule
Remember: No 'ge-' in the past! This applies to all verbs like 'studieren', 'telefonieren', and 'fotokopieren'.
Paper Jams
If the machine stops, say '{der|m} Papierstau'. It's the most common phrase you'll need after 'fotokopieren'.
Copy Shops
In Germany, look for a 'Copyshop' or 'Kopierladen'. They are often cheaper than libraries.
Short is Sweet
In a rush? Just say 'kopieren'. Everyone will understand you.
Examples
6Ich muss diese Buchseite schnell fotokopieren.
I need to photocopy this book page quickly.
A very common student activity in Germany.
Könnten Sie bitte Ihren Ausweis fotokopieren?
Could you please photocopy your ID?
A standard request in German bureaucracy.
Hast du die Notizen schon fotokopiert?
Have you photocopied the notes yet?
Informal check-in between friends.
Ich werde den Bericht für alle fotokopieren.
I will photocopy the report for everyone.
Professional offer to help.
Ich habe aus Versehen meine Hand fotokopiert!
I accidentally photocopied my hand!
A classic office prank or mistake.
Ich fotokopiere diesen Brief, damit das Original sicher bleibt.
I am photocopying this letter so the original stays safe.
Using the action for sentimental preservation.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'fotokopieren' in the Perfekt tense.
Ich habe gestern {den|m} Vertrag ______.
Verbs ending in -ieren do not take 'ge-' in the past participle.
Which verb is correct for a digital PDF file?
Ich muss {die|f} PDF-Datei ______.
You print (drucken) digital files; you photocopy (fotokopieren) physical paper.
Match the German word with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the core vocabulary items for office work.
Complete the dialogue at the library.
A: Kann ich dieses Buch ausleihen? B: Nein, aber Sie können es ______.
After 'können', we use the infinitive form at the end of the sentence.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Paper vs Digital
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch habe gestern {den|m} Vertrag ______.
Verbs ending in -ieren do not take 'ge-' in the past participle.
Ich muss {die|f} PDF-Datei ______.
You print (drucken) digital files; you photocopy (fotokopieren) physical paper.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the core vocabulary items for office work.
A: Kann ich dieses Buch ausleihen? B: Nein, aber Sie können es ______.
After 'können', we use the infinitive form at the end of the sentence.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, especially in German offices and universities where paper is still very common.
No, that is a common mistake. It is always 'ich habe fotokopiert'.
'Kopieren' is general (digital or paper). 'Fotokopieren' is specifically using a machine for paper.
You say 'eine doppelseitige Kopie' or 'beidseitig fotokopieren'.
It is the noun for the machine itself ({der|m} Kopierer).
It is neutral to slightly formal. 'Kopieren' is more casual.
Ask: 'Kann ich das in Farbe fotokopieren?'
It's a formal synonym for fotokopieren, often used in legal contexts.
No, use 'fotografieren' or 'scannen' for that.
A prepaid card used in libraries and universities to pay for copies.
Related Phrases
to print
scannen
similarto scan
ablichten
synonymto expose/copy
vervielfältigen
specialized formto reproduce in bulk
{die|f} Fotokopie
builds onthe photocopy
