Translation
Tricky translations
How do you say “coach” in German?
In sport, a “coach” is someone who trains a person or team. It is translated as Trainer(in): “Our coach finally resigned.” — Unser Trainer ist schließlich zurückgetreten.
A “coach” also gives private lessons in a special subject, for example to help you pass an exam (Privatlehrer(in), Repetitor(in), Nachhilfelehrer(in)):
“My coach prepared sample exam questions for me.” — Mein Privatlehrer hat Musterprüfungsfragen für mich vorbereitet. In British English, a “coach” is a luxury bus for long journeys (Reisebus, Fernbus). It is also part of a train (Wagen, Waggon):
“Travelling by coach is becoming more and more popular.” — Das Reisen mit dem Reisebus wird immer beliebter. “The first-class coaches are at the front of the train.” — Die Wagen der 1. Klasse befinden sich im vorderen Zugteil.
In American English, “coach” refers to the cheapest seats on a plane or train (Economy-,
Touristenklasse). Historically, a “coach”, or “horse-drawn coach”, was a large carriage pulled by horses (Kutsche).
How do you say Schalter in English?
In electronics, a Schalter is a small device that starts or stops the flow of electricity when it is actuated. It is translated as switch or button: Schieben Sie den Schalter nach oben, um den Strom einzuschalten. — “Flip the switch up to turn the power on.” Note that you “press” or “push” a button and “flick” or “flip” a switch.
A Schalter is also a place where you pay for something, ask for information or are served, for example in a shop, bank or railway station. Here, we translate it as counter, desk, window or point. Which word you use depends on the context. As a rule of thumb, you use “point” or “desk” when you get information only and “counter” or “window” when you actually purchase something:
Ältere Kunden kaufen ihre Fahrscheine lieber am Schalter. — “Older customers prefer to buy their tickets at the service counter / ticket window.”
Wenn Sie weitere Auskünfte benötigen, gehen Sie zum Informationsschalter. — “If you need further information, go to the information desk.”