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Is the word coletar the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

No

While the dictionary definition of "coletar" is identical in both variants, there is a difference in typical usage. In Brazilian Portuguese, "coletar" is a versatile verb used for both abstract concepts (like data or taxes) and physical objects (like garbage or samples). In Continental Portuguese, "coletar" is much more restricted to technical, scientific, or formal contexts (e.g., collecting data or biological samples). For everyday physical actions, such as picking up trash or gathering items from the floor, a Portuguese person would much more naturally use the verbs recolher or apanhar.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. O cientista precisa coletar dados para a pesquisa. (The scientist needs to collect data for the research.)
  2. O caminhão vai coletar o lixo amanhã cedo. (The truck will collect the garbage early tomorrow.)
  3. Precisamos coletar assinaturas para o abaixo-assinado. (We need to collect signatures for the petition.)
  4. O enfermeiro vai coletar uma amostra de sangue. (The nurse is going to collect a blood sample.)
  5. O governo busca coletar mais impostos este ano. (The government seeks to collect more taxes this year.)

Portuguese (Continental) Examples

  1. É preciso recolher o lixo na rua. (It is necessary to collect/pick up the trash on the street.)
  2. Podes apanhar as chaves que caíram no chão? (Can you pick up the keys that fell on the floor?)
  3. O funcionário vai recolher as encomendas para entrega. (The employee is going to collect/pick up the packages for delivery.)
  4. Vamos recolher as assinaturas dos moradores. (We are going to collect the signatures of the residents.)
  5. Ele tem de apanhar as folhas secas do jardim. (He has to pick up the dry leaves from the garden.)