desktop
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desktop
The graphical user interface of a computer that appears after startup and on which icons and windows are displayed. It serves as the primary workspace.
Ich habe das Dokument direkt auf dem Desktop gespeichert, um es schnell zu finden.
I saved the document directly on the desktop so I could find it quickly.
'Desktop' is a word from English that was adopted directly into German. It is used mainly in the field of computer technology.
Moderne Desktops sind oft sehr platzsparend.
Modern desktops are often very space-saving.
You can recognize the meaning from context: if it is about files, icons, or the screen background, the user interface is meant. If it is about hardware, performance, or buying a device, the computer as a machine is meant.
Ich habe den Desktop-Hintergrund geändert.
I changed the desktop background.
When the user interface is meant, the preposition 'auf' is always used with the dative. You save something 'auf dem Desktop' (on the desktop) or have icons 'auf dem Desktop' (on the desktop).
Bitte speichere die Datei nicht auf dem Desktop, sondern in den richtigen Ordner.
Please don't save the file on the desktop, but in the correct folder.
desk
'der Schreibtisch' and 'der Desktop' both have to do with a workspace. However, 'Schreibtisch' means a real piece of furniture that you sit at to write or work at a computer. 'Desktop' is used in computer language: it can mean the interface on the screen or a stationary computer. The words can be confusing because 'Desktop' comes from English, where it sounds similar to 'Schreibtisch' (desk). In German, you clearly say 'Schreibtisch' for the piece of furniture, and 'Desktop' for the on-screen workspace or the fixed computer.
Nach dem Start des Computers waren alle Dateien direkt auf dem Desktop zu sehen.
After the computer started up, all the files could be seen directly on the desktop.
Auf meinem Schreibtisch liegen der Laptop, ein Notizbuch und eine Tasse Tee.
On my desk are my laptop, a notebook, and a cup of tea.