change
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change / alteration
A concrete adjustment, correction, or modification of something existing, such as a text, a law, or a plan.
Der Autor hat noch einige Änderungen am Manuskript vorgenommen.
The author made a few more changes to the manuscript.
'Die Änderung' (change) is a noun derived from the verb 'ändern' (to change). The ending '-ung' is often used to form a feminine noun from a verb that describes the action or the result.
Bitte ändern Sie die Adresse in Ihren Unterlagen.
Please change the address in your records.
'Änderung' (change) is often combined with certain verbs. Typical phrases are 'eine Änderung vornehmen' (to make a change), 'eine Änderung durchführen' (to carry out a change), or 'Änderungen vorschlagen' (to suggest changes).
Der Techniker muss noch eine kleine Änderung am System vornehmen.
The technician still has to make a small change to the system.
When you want to say what something is being changed in or to, you use the preposition 'an' followed by the dative.
Es gab eine kurzfristige Änderung am Zeitplan.
There was a short-notice change to the schedule.
The word 'Änderung' (change) is used very frequently in formal, official, or technical contexts, for example with laws, contracts, plans, or software.
Jede Änderung des Vertrags muss schriftlich erfolgen.
Every change to the contract must be made in writing.
change / switch
'der Wechsel' and 'die Änderung' both have to do with change. 'der Wechsel' is especially suitable when something is replaced by something else, for example a job, a doctor, or a plan. 'die Änderung' more often means an adjustment to something that continues to exist, for example a change in a text, a contract, or a schedule. Learners may confuse the words because both describe a new situation. A helpful guide: with 'Wechsel', something new often takes the place of something old; with 'Änderung', something existing is changed.
Bitte schick mir die Änderung im Vertrag noch heute per E-Mail.
Please send me the change to the contract by email today.
Nach dem Wechsel in eine andere Abteilung hat Paul neue Aufgaben bekommen.
After switching to another department, Paul was given new tasks.