Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| vervielfältigen | [fɛɐ̯ˈfiːlˌfɛltɪɡn̩] (narrow) | |
| kopieren | /koˈpiːɐ̯n/ /koˈpiːʁən/ |
|
| duplizieren | ||
| duplieren | ||
| verdoppeln | /fɛɐ̯ˈdɔpl̩n/ | |
| nachmachen | /ˈnaːxˌmaxən/ | colloquial |
The term you choose depends on whether you are making many copies, performing a digital command or working in a technical field. For general duplication, especially when making many copies of a document, use vervielfältigen. When referring to digital files or standard physical copies, kopieren is the standard. If you mean to double a quantity, use verdoppeln.
Which one should you use?
There are significant nuances between the available forms. kopieren is the most common and neutral way to say 'to copy' and is the standard for digital operations like copying files. vervielfältigen is more formal and implies making a large number of copies or reproducing a document. duplizieren is a formal, technical term used in scientific, mathematical or computing contexts to describe duplicating data or structures. duplieren is also available, and verdoppeln specifically means to double something by increasing it by 100%. Finally, nachmachen is a colloquial way to describe the act of imitating or copying someone.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
vervielfältigen and duplizieren are formal options suitable for professional or technical environments. kopieren is the common, neutral choice for everyday use. nachmachen is colloquial and should be used in informal speech. For nouns, Duplikat is a formal term used in legal or official contexts, whereas Kopie is a common and general term for a duplicate.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb duplizieren is specifically noted as a technical term for duplicating data or structures.
Did you know?
- The verb nachmachen is used when a person duplicates an action or a style, such as a child mimicking an adult. Using the more literal kopieren for a person's behavior would sound like you are treating them as a piece of hardware.
- The word vervielfältigen is built from vielfältig, which means 'diverse' or 'manifold'. While it translates as 'to duplicate', it literally describes the act of making something 'many-fold'.
- In a legal or official context, a Duplikat is specifically a formal duplicate of a certificate or document rather than just any second copy.
Examples in context
- Diese Diskette nicht kopieren!Don't duplicate this floppy.This sentence is useful for learning how to use the verb kopieren in a negative command.Tatoeba #13309157 by Waldelfe, translation #2214686 by MrShoval
- Das ist eine Kopie des OriginalsThis is a duplicate of the original
- Das ist eine Dublette des DokumentsThis is a duplicate of the document
- Ich habe eine Dublette des Vertrags gefunden.I found a duplicate of the contract.
- Er hat eine Kopie des Schlüssels angefertigt.He made a duplicate of the key.
- Wir müssen die Daten vervielfältigen.We must duplicate the data.
- Kannst du diese Dokumente vervielfältigen?Can you duplicate these documents?
Example conversation
In a small office during a busy afternoon.
- MaximilianHannah, kannst du bitte diese Berichte vervielfältigen?Hannah, can you please duplicate these reports?
- HannahJa, Maximilian, ich mache das sofort.Yes, Maximilian, I will do that immediately.
- MaximilianVielen Dank für deine Hilfe.Thank you very much for your help.
- HannahGerne geschehen.You're welcome.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “duplicate” translations and entries vervielfältigen, kopieren, duplizieren, verdoppeln, nachmachen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries duplizieren, kopieren, vervielfältigen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
