der  Papierkorb

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/paˈpiːɐ̯kɔʁp/

🗑️ What exactly is a 'Papierkorb'?

A Papierkorb is a container primarily used to collect waste paper and other light, dry office waste. You typically find it in offices, studies, or next to desks.

In a digital context, the Papierkorb also refers to the virtual location on a computer where deleted files are temporarily stored before being permanently removed (similar to the 'Recycle Bin' or 'Trash').

🧐 Grammar: 'Der Papierkorb' in Detail

The word "Papierkorb" is a masculine noun. The article is der.

Declension

Example Sentences

• Bitte wirf das zerknüllte Papier in den Papierkorb.
  (Please throw the crumpled paper into the wastepaper basket.)
• Der Hausmeister leert die Papierkörbe jeden Abend.
  (The janitor empties the wastepaper baskets every evening.)
• Ich habe die Datei versehentlich gelöscht, aber sie ist noch im digitalen Papierkorb.
  (I accidentally deleted the file, but it's still in the digital recycle bin.)
• Neben jedem Schreibtisch steht ein kleiner Papierkorb.
  (There is a small wastepaper basket next to every desk.)

✍️ How to Use "Papierkorb"

The term Papierkorb is very common in everyday life, both in its physical and digital sense.

• In the office/at home: Refers to the physical container for paper waste. Example: "Mein Papierkorb ist schon wieder voll." (My wastepaper basket is full again.)
• On the computer: Refers to the folder for deleted files. Example: "Überprüfe den Papierkorb, vielleicht findest du die Datei dort." (Check the recycle bin, maybe you'll find the file there.)

⚠️ Important Difference: A Papierkorb is specifically intended for paper and dry waste. For general rubbish (food scraps, wet waste), you would typically use a Mülleimer or Abfalleimer (general waste bin).

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

For the article 'der': Think of a strong man ('der Mann') carrying a heavy Korb (basket) full of Papier (paper). The basket, like the man, is masculine (der).

For the meaning: The word is a compound of Papier (paper) and Korb (basket). It's literally a 'paper basket'.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar but Different Words

• Mülleimer/Abfalleimer: For mixed waste, often including wet or dirty items. (General waste bin/trash can)
• Mistkübel (Austrian): Austrian synonym for Mülleimer.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Papierkorb im Büro gekündigt?

Er fühlte sich ständig nur ausgenutzt und am Ende war er immer leer!

Why did the wastepaper basket quit its job at the office?

It felt constantly used and was always left empty in the end!

📜 A Poem about the Papierkorb

Im Büro, still und bescheiden,
steht er da, um Leid zu meiden.
Was misslingt, zerknüllt und alt,
findet in ihm seinen Halt.
Der Papierkorb, treu und schlicht,
vergisst die alten Fehler nicht,
Bis geleert, dann ist er rein,
bereit für neuen Papierschein.

In the office, quiet and modest,
It stands there, avoiding contest.
What fails, crumpled and old,
Finds in it a story told.
The waste bin, loyal and plain,
Forgets old errors, ease the pain,
Until emptied, then it's clean,
Ready for a new paper scene.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich steh' im Raum, doch hab kein Haus.
Ich fresse Papier, Blatt für Blatt, zuhaus'.
Digital halt' ich fest, was du gelöscht,
Bis du mich leerst und alles verhöhnst.

Was bin ich?

I stand in the room, but have no house.
I devour paper, sheet by sheet, like a mouse.
Digitally I hold what you deleted,
Until you empty me and all is unseated.

What am I?

Solution: Der Papierkorb (The wastepaper basket / recycle bin)

💡 Other Interesting Facts

Word Composition

The word "Papierkorb" is a compound noun, made up of:

• Papier (das) - paper
• Korb (der) - basket

Digital Evolution

The metaphor of the wastepaper basket (Papierkorb) was introduced early in graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for computers to make file deletion more intuitive. The first digital 'Trash' appeared on the Apple Lisa in 1983.