die Urkunde
Translation
document, certificate, deed, record
Examples
Ich brauche eine beglaubigte Urkunde.
I need a certified document.
Die Geburtsurkunde ist ein wichtiges Dokument.
The birth certificate is an important document.
Er unterzeichnete die Urkunde beim Notar.
He signed the deed at the notary's office.
Grammar Patterns
((die Urkunde)) as subject Die Urkunde ist sehr alt.
((sth.acc=die Urkunde)) as accusative object Er braucht die Urkunde für das Amt.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Dokument, Zertifikat, Bescheinigung
Etymology
From Old High German 'urchundi' (testimony, knowledge). The prefix 'ur-' means 'original' or 'primal', and 'Kunde' means 'knowledge'. So, an 'original knowledge' document.
Memory Tips
Think of 'ur-' as 'original' (like in 'Ursprung' - origin). An 'Urkunde' is an original, official record of knowledge.