The idea
Use drucken for printing. Use drücken for pressing or pushing. Read the complete sentence before choosing: the object, situation, time reference and relationship between speakers can determine the better expression. Where the meanings overlap, both can be possible with a different emphasis. The reference table states the senses taught here; other dictionary senses may require a different translation.
| Expression | Meaning in comparison |
|---|---|
| „Drucken“ bringt Text oder Bilder auf Papier. | |
| drücken | „Drücken“ übt Druck aus. |
Examples
- Ich drucke den Fahrplan in Schwarz-Weiß.I print the timetable in black and white.
- Drücken Sie zum Start die grüne Taste.Press the green button to start.
- Die Schule hat neue Plakate gedruckt.The school printed new posters.
- Der neue Schuh drückt am linken Fuß.The new shoe pinches my left foot.
- Die Bibliothek druckt den Ausweis direkt vor Ort.The library prints the card on site.
- Drück den Deckel fest auf die Dose.Press the lid firmly onto the tin.
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Watch out
The umlaut changes both pronunciation and meaning.
Try it yourself
What does “drucken” mean in the first example sentence? Explain how it differs from the meaning of “drücken”.
Show answer or example answer
„Drucken“ bringt Text oder Bilder auf Papier. „Drücken“ übt Druck aus.
drucken matches printing; the German definition gives the intended sense.
Explain the choice of word in this sentence. What meaning would the other expression have? Drücken Sie zum Start die grüne Taste.
Show answer or example answer
drücken: „Drücken“ übt Druck aus.
Drücken Sie zum Start die grüne Taste. uses drücken for pressing or pushing. The answer depends on this context, not only on the spelling of the word.
Write a separate sentence for each expression. Use “drucken” and “drücken” in different situations.
Show answer or example answer
Mögliche Lösungen: Die Schule hat neue Plakate gedruckt. Der neue Schuh drückt am linken Fuß.
The model pair keeps the meanings separate: drucken expresses printing, whereas drücken expresses pressing or pushing. Other original sentences are possible if their context supports the chosen sense.
Practice round
Answer three questions, then rebuild three German sentences. We keep your score.
What does “drucken” mean in the first example sentence? Explain how it differs from the meaning of “drücken”.
„Drucken“ bringt Text oder Bilder auf Papier. „Drücken“ übt Druck aus.
Explain the choice of word in this sentence. What meaning would the other expression have? Drücken Sie zum Start die grüne Taste.
drücken: „Drücken“ übt Druck aus.
Write a separate sentence for each expression. Use “drucken” and “drücken” in different situations.
Mögliche Lösungen: Die Schule hat neue Plakate gedruckt. Der neue Schuh drückt am linken Fuß.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe two real situations from your day, using drucken in one and drücken in the other. Underline the detail that makes the chosen meaning appropriate. If both expressions could fit, explain the change in emphasis rather than marking the alternative automatically wrong.