der Counter
counter
A desk, counter, or service counter where customers are served or receive information, e.g. in an airport, hotel, or shop.
EXAMPLE
Bitte gehen Sie für den Check-in zum Counter 12.
Please go to counter 12 for check-in.
der Counter
counter
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Meanings
der Counter
counter
A counter or counting device that records a number of events or objects, often in digital form.
EXAMPLE
Der Counter auf der Webseite zeigt bereits über eine Million Besucher an.
The counter on the website already shows over one million visitors.
Usage tips
False friend
In German, 'der Counter' refers to a service counter (e.g. at the airport) or a counter/counting device (e.g. on a website). It does not mean the work surface in a kitchen; the English word 'kitchen counter' would be 'die Arbeitsplatte' (countertop/worktop) or 'die Küchentheke' (kitchen counter) in German.
EXAMPLE
Die Tickets erhalten Sie direkt am Counter der Fluggesellschaft.
You can get the tickets directly at the airline's counter.
Context clue
The meaning becomes clear from the context. In airports, hotels, or shops, it means the service counter. In connection with websites, technology, or games, it means the counting device.
EXAMPLE
Am Service-Counter konnte man mir sofort helfen.
They were able to help me right away at the service counter.
Typical collocations
As a service counter, 'Counter' is often used in compound words. Typical examples are 'Check-in-Counter' (check-in counter), 'Service-Counter' (service counter), or 'Info-Counter' (information counter).
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen unser Gepäck am Check-in-Counter aufgeben.
We have to check in our luggage at the check-in counter.
Typical collocations
As a counting device, 'Counter' is often found in combinations like 'Besucher-Counter' (visitor counter, for a website) or 'Punkte-Counter' (points counter, in a game).
EXAMPLE
Laut dem Besucher-Counter waren heute schon 500 Leute auf meiner Homepage.
According to the visitor counter, 500 people have already been on my homepage today.
Compare with
Counter vs Schalter
switch / counter
Schalter and Counter both refer to a service point. Schalter is the usual term for formal service or administrative counters, such as at a bank or railway station. Counter is a loanword used especially at airports, in hotels, and in shops.
Counter
Am Counter der Fluggesellschaft fragt Nina nach ihrem Abflug.
At the airline counter, Nina asks about her departure.
Schalter
Am Schalter der Bahn fragt Nina nach ihrer Verbindung.
At the railway counter, Nina asks about her connection.
In real life
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