der
Abdruck
What does *der Abdruck* mean? 🤔
Der Abdruck is a masculine noun (*Maskulinum*) with two main meanings:
- Physical impression/trace: A shape or pattern left on a surface by pressure. Examples include:
- der Fingerabdruck: fingerprint.
- der Fußabdruck: footprint (in sand, mud, snow).
- der Reifenabdruck: tire track/print.
- der Siegelabdruck: impression of a seal (in wax, etc.).
- Copy/Reprint (often printed): A reproduction of an original, especially text or images.
- der Abdruck eines Artikels: A printed copy of a newspaper or magazine article (also *Sonderdruck* - offprint).
- der Abdruck eines Kunstwerks: A reproduction, e.g., an art print.
⚠️ It's important to consider the context to understand the exact meaning.
Grammar of *der Abdruck* in Detail 🧐
The noun *Abdruck* is masculine. The article is der.
Singular Declension
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | der | Abdruck |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | den | Abdruck |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | dem | Abdruck(e) |
| Genitive (Possessive) | des | Abdruck(e)s |
Plural Declension
The plural of *Abdruck* is *Abdrücke*.
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Abdrücke |
| Accusative | die | Abdrücke |
| Dative | den | Abdrücken |
| Genitive | der | Abdrücke |
Example Sentences
- Die Polizei sicherte die Abdrücke am Tatort. (The police secured the prints at the crime scene.)
- Könnten Sie mir bitte einen Abdruck dieses Zertifikats machen? (Could you please make a copy of this certificate for me?)
- Im feuchten Sand war der Abdruck einer Muschel zu sehen. (The imprint of a shell could be seen in the damp sand.)
- The Genitive case is "des Abdrucks" or, less commonly, "des Abdruckes".
When and how to use *Abdruck*? ✍️
*Abdruck* is used in various contexts:
- Forensics: Very common in relation to traces like *Fingerabdrücke* (fingerprints) or *Schuhabdrücke* (shoeprints).
- Nature/Everyday Life: Describing traces left by living beings or objects (*Fußabdruck* in the snow, *Handabdruck* on the wall).
- Printing/Publishing: Refers to a printed copy or a reprint (*Sonderabdruck* of a scientific article, *Abdruck* of a photo in the newspaper).
- Art: Can refer to an art print or the technique of printing (e.g., linocut).
- Technology/Crafts: An *Abdruck* can also be a mold created by casting or pressing (although *Abguss* - cast - is often used here).
Distinction from *Druck*: While *Druck* can refer to the act of printing, physical pressure (force per area), or printed matter in general, *Abdruck* more specifically denotes the result of a transfer by pressure – whether it's a trace or a copy.
Mnemonics for *der Abdruck* 🧠
Article Mnemonic: Think of the most important print in crime stories: Der Fingerabdruck (*the fingerprint*). *Finger* is masculine, so *Abdruck* is also der.
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine taking something *off* (German prefix ab-) a surface by *pressing* (related to German Druck) onto it, like using a rubber stamp. The result is the Abdruck (imprint/copy).
Similar and Opposite Words to *Abdruck* ↔️
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Spur: (trace, track - more for physical impressions) Fußspur (footprint), Reifenspur (tire track)
- Impression: (impression - more formal) Eine Impression im Wachs (an impression in wax)
- Kopie: (copy - more for reproductions) Eine Kopie des Dokuments (a copy of the document)
- Nachdruck/Reproduktion: (reprint/reproduction - especially for printed/reproduced works) Ein Nachdruck des Buches (a reprint of the book), eine Reproduktion des Gemäldes (a reproduction of the painting)
- Abbild/Bild: (image/picture - more general for representation) Ein Abbild der Realität (an image of reality)
Watch out for confusion:
- Abguss: Usually refers to a three-dimensional shape created by casting (e.g., *Gipsabguss* - plaster cast). An *Abdruck* is often two-dimensional or an indentation.
- Ausdruck: Often refers to a computer printout (*Computerausdruck*) or an expression of feelings/opinions (*Ausdruck der Freude* - expression of joy).
A little joke about *Abdruck* 😄
DE: Warum hat der Dieb nach dem Einbruch seine Hände gewaschen?
Damit er keine schmutzigen Abdrücke hinterlässt, sondern nur saubere! 😉
EN: Why did the thief wash his hands after the burglary?
So he wouldn't leave dirty prints, only clean ones! 😉
*Abdruck* in Verse 📜
DE:
Ein Schritt im Sand, so weich und tief,
ein Abdruck nur, der kurz entschlief.
Ein Finger leis' auf Glas so klar,
hinterlässt als Spur, was einmal war.
Ein Wort gedruckt, auf weißem Blatt,
ein Abdruck dessen, was man hat.
EN:
A step in sand, so soft and deep,
an imprint only, briefly asleep.
A finger soft on glass so clear,
leaves as a trace what once was here.
A word that's printed, on white sheet,
an imprint of the things we meet.
Riddle Time: What am I? ❓
DE:
Ich bin ein Zeichen, oft ganz klein,
hinterlassen von Fuß oder Bein.
Manchmal bin ich auf Papier zu seh'n,
als Kopie muss ich besteh'n.
Die Polizei sucht oft nach mir,
was bin ich wohl, sag es mir!
EN:
I am a mark, often quite small,
Left behind by foot or leg, standing tall.
Sometimes I'm seen on paper white,
As a copy, I must shine bright.
The police often search for me,
What am I? Tell me!
Solution: Der Abdruck (the imprint/print/copy)
Other Interesting Facts 🤓
Word Composition:
The word *Abdruck* is composed of:
- Prefix ab-: Expresses separation, removal, or origin (something is 'taken off' from a template).
- Root word Druck: Refers to pressing or the result of pressing/printing.
Related Compound Nouns (*Komposita*):
- Fingerabdruck: Fingerprint.
- Fußabdruck: Footprint (also used metaphorically: *ökologischer Fußabdruck* - ecological footprint).
- Handabdruck: Handprint.
- Reifenabdruck: Tire print/track.
- Siegelabdruck: Seal impression.
- Sonderabdruck: Offprint/separate print of an article from a larger publication.
- Klauenabdruck: Claw print (from an animal).
Historically: *Siegelabdrücke* (seal impressions) were important means of authenticating documents in the past.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Abdruck?
The noun "Abdruck" is masculine, so the correct article is der Abdruck.