German word

File

Pronunciation

IPA/faɪ̯l/

Meaning

  • neuter nounfile

Example

Ich habe das File noch nicht geöffnet.

I haven't opened the file yet.

Illustration for File (file)

More examples

Das File ist beschädigt und lässt sich nicht öffnen.

The file is damaged and cannot be opened.

Core concept

One named packet of digital material that remains together as a single manageable item on a computer.

Common phrases

  • das File per E-Mail senden

    send the file by email

  • ein beschädigtes File

    a damaged file

  • das File wiederherstellen

    restore the file

Similar words

Datei: An individual unit of electronic data stored on a computer for reading or editing.
Dokument: A written record or data item created to present official information or proof.

Definition in German

Ein digitales Dokument oder eine als Einheit gespeicherte Datenmenge, die von einem Programm oder einem Nutzer verwendet werden kann.

Word origin

The German computing noun File was borrowed from English file, a word linked historically to a row or collection of papers and ultimately to Latin filum, 'thread'.

Usage tips

  • File is chiefly a technical computing term; Datei is more usual in neutral general prose, and Dokument refers specifically to a document.

Opposites

  • Hardcopyhard copynoun
  • physisches Dokumentphysical documentnoun

Related words

  • File-Explorerfile explorernoun
  • Filezugrifffile accessnoun
  • File-Serverfile servernoun

Word lists with this word