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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
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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 Anzeige
advertisement / report / display
'die Anzeige' and 'der Counter' can both have to do with numbers or information on a device. An 'Anzeige' is what you see: for example, a number, a symbol, or a message on a display. A 'Counter', on the other hand, is a counter that counts events or things. Learners may confuse the words because a counter often shows a number on a display. In practical terms: the Counter counts; the Anzeige shows the result.
Counter
Der Counter auf der Webseite zählt jeden neuen Besucher.
The counter on the website counts every new visitor.
Anzeige
Auf der Anzeige steht, dass der Akku fast leer ist.
The display says that the battery is almost empty.
In real life
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