Polaroid
Ich habe ein Polaroid von unserem Ausflug gemacht.
I took a Polaroid of our trip.
A camera that produces photographs immediately after taking them.
Das Polaroid funktioniert ohne digitale Speicherung.
The Polaroid works without digital storage.
Originally a brand name (Polaroid Corporation) that became genericized.
A photograph produced by such a camera.
Ich habe ein paar Polaroids von der Party.
I have a few Polaroids from the party.
Collocations
Synonyms
Pro Tip
Genericized Trademark
Like 'Kleenex' or 'Google,' 'Polaroid' is a trademark that has become a generic term in German for instant cameras/photos. Avoid using it in formal contexts where 'Sofortbildkamera' or 'Sofortbildfoto' would be more precise.
Gold Rule
Capitalization
In German, 'Polaroid' is capitalized as it is a proper noun (brand name). When used generically, it may remain capitalized or become lowercase depending on context (e.g., 'ein Polaroid' vs. 'ein polaroid').
Word Origin
From the brand name Polaroid, coined by the Polaroid Corporation (founded 1937), which specialized in instant photography. The name blends 'polar' (referring to polarized light used in early models) and '-oid' (a suffix meaning 'resembling').
Usage Notes
In German, 'Polaroid' is often used as a generic term for instant cameras or photos, even when not produced by the original brand. The term is widely recognized but less common in everyday speech today due to the decline of instant film technology.