Papiere
The English phrase 'papers' can be translated into German as Papiere.
Papiere is used to refer to a collection of documents. In certain contexts, other words may be more appropriate: Dokumente is used for official documentation or professional interactions, while Unterlagen refers to supporting documents or files used in administrative and legal contexts.
Meaning: collection of documents (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Papiere can mean documents, Unterlagen is the preferred term in professional or administrative settings when referring to a set of records or supporting files.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form Papiere refers to a collection of documents, whereas the singular form das Papier refers to the physical material itself.
Did you know?
- In the German stock market, Papiere is the standard term for financial securities like stocks and bonds, even though they are no longer physical pieces of paper.
- When talking about pets, the phrase die Papiere haben means the animal has a registered pedigree or official breed certification.
- The informal word for 'paperwork', Papierkram, literally translates to 'paper stuff' or 'paper junk'.
Examples in context
- Wo sind eure Papiere?Where are your papers?This sentence shows how to ask for someone's papers using the form Papiere.Tatoeba #5054709 by al_ex_an_der, translation #2646185 by CK
- Hier sind meine Papiere.Here are my papers.This sentence shows how to present one's papers using the form Papiere.Tatoeba #8257986 by driini, translation #2648133 by CK
- Reichen Sie Ihre Papiere ein.Hand in your papers.This sentence demonstrates the instruction to hand in papers using the form Papiere.Tatoeba #12596640 by mayabe, translation #280067 by CK
- Ihre Dokumente sind für die Registrierung erforderlich.Your papers/documents are necessary for registration.
- Bitte bringen Sie alle erforderlichen Unterlagen mit.Please bring all the necessary documents/papers with you.
- Die Papiere müssen von einem Notar beglaubigt werden.The papers/documents need to be certified by a notary.
- Hast du deine Dokus schon eingereicht?Have you submitted your papers/documents already?
- Kannst du mir bei diesem Schreibkram helfen?Can you assist me with this paperwork?
- Ich habe meine Unterlagen verlegt.I misplaced my documents/papers.
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Lukas are looking for travel documents in a hotel room.
- LauraHast du meine Papiere gesehen?Have you seen my papers?
- LukasNein, ich finde deine Papiere auch nicht.No, I can't find your papers either.
- LauraOh, sie liegen hier auf dem Tisch.Oh, they are lying here on the table.
- LukasGott sei Dank, wir können jetzt los.Thank God, we can leave now.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
