My laptop has an hdmi plug and i have a monietor with an hdmi plug can i connect it to the monietor or do i need a docking station
Yes you can
Can be done normally with an HDMI cable.
Yes, that works and you only have to select the HDMI input at most.
No, they can be connected without any problems. You can then use the laptop screen as a second monitor…
A docking station is not necessary here. An HDMI cable is sufficient here.