Maps, cards and folders

Maps, cards and folders … these three words are easily confused by German speakers of English. Try to fit them into the correct sentences below:

1. Do you have a ______ of Munich? I’m afraid we’ll get lost.

2. I’ve put all of the paperwork for today in this _________.

3. Rosa made her own Christmas _______ this year.

Maps

A map is a representation of a specific area (park, city, etc.) , generally on a flat surface. We do NOT say “card” for this. Map fits into sentence one above: “Do you have a map of Munich?…”

Cards

A card is a piece of paper expressing congratulations, sympathy, etc. to the recipient (Empfänger). Cards belongs in sentence three above: “Rosa made her own Christmas cards this year.”

Folders

A folder is a large folded cover for filing and organizing papers. This can also be referred to as a file. We do NOT say “map” for this. Folder fits into sentence two above: “I’ve put all of the paperwork for today in this folder.”