Kopie
/koˈpiː/
In German, the English word "copy" can be translated as Kopie.
Kopie refers to an identical reproduction of something, typically a document. If you are talking about the act of producing a copy, you use the verb kopieren. For a more specialized or formal sense of duplication, you might encounter the term Vervielfältigung.
Meaning: produce something identical (verb)
Which one should you use?
Use Kopie for a reproduction of a document. If you are referring to a single unit of a published work, such as a book or a magazine, use Exemplar. While Kopie implies an identical reproduction, Nachahmung refers to an imitation or mimicry of a style or behavior.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Kopie is related to the verb kopieren, which means "to copy".
How do you pronounce it?
/koˈpiː/
Did you know?
- The German word Kopie comes from the Latin copia, which originally meant 'abundance' or 'plenty' rather than a reproduction.
- While 'copy' can describe a forgery in English, using Kopie in German is generally neutral. To imply a deceptive or illegal fake, Germans use the word Fälschung.
- The word Exemplar is used when talking about a 'copy' of a book, but it also applies to a 'specimen' in biology, such as a specific preserved insect.
Examples in context
- Das ist eine Kopie.That's a copy.This sentence identifies a specific object as a copy.Tatoeba #1003681 by Sudajaengi, translation #42520 by CK
- Hast du eine Kopie?Do you have a copy?This sentence asks if someone possesses a copy.Tatoeba #2179635 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2130904 by Hybrid
- Du kopierst meine Sätze.You copy my sentences.This sentence uses the verb form of the word to describe an action.Tatoeba #9563906 by kby, translation #9563909 by kby
- 55 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are in the office.
- MaximilianKannst du mir bitte eine Kopie machen?Can you please make a copy for me?
- LauraJa, ich brauche nur kurz das Dokument.Yes, I just need the document for a moment.
- MaximilianHier ist die Kopie für dich, Laura.Here is the copy for you, Laura.
- LauraVielen Dank, Maximilian!Thank you very much, Maximilian!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Kopie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Kopie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
