Update

ˈʌpdeɪt

'Update' works as both noun and verb in English, covering everything from a software patch to a quick status briefing. German offers native equivalents like 'Aktualisierung' and 'aktualisieren', though the loanword 'Update' itself has become firmly established in everyday German usage.

1. Aktualisierung · technical

The standard formal equivalent for technical and document-related updates: software, systems, or content revisions.

The software update fixed several critical security vulnerabilities.

Die Aktualisierung der Software behob mehrere kritische Sicherheitslücken.

Please install the latest update before launching the application.

Bitte installieren Sie die neueste Aktualisierung, bevor Sie die Anwendung starten.

2. Neuigkeit [informal]

Used when 'update' means a piece of news or a status report, rather than a technical revision.

Can you give me an update on the negotiations?

Kannst du mir den aktuellen Stand der Verhandlungen mitteilen?

I'll send you an update as soon as I hear back from the client.

Ich schicke dir eine Neuigkeit, sobald ich vom Kunden eine Rückmeldung habe.

3. aktualisieren

The standard German verb for 'to update', applicable to files, records, systems, or any information that needs updating.

Don't forget to update your contact information in the system.

Vergiss nicht, deine Kontaktdaten im System zu aktualisieren.

She updated her resume before applying for the new position.

Sie aktualisierte ihren Lebenslauf, bevor sie sich auf die neue Stelle bewarb.

Notes

German has fully adopted 'das Update' (neuter) as a loanword, especially in tech contexts, where it sits comfortably alongside 'Aktualisierung'. The colloquial verb 'updaten' is widely understood in spoken German but should be avoided in formal writing: use 'aktualisieren' instead.

Synonyms

revision upgrade briefing refresh

Related phrases

upgrade patch changelog notification status report release