01
der Lichtschalter
light switch
A switch used to turn an electric lamp or another light source on and off.
example
Der Lichtschalter ist gleich neben der Tür.
The light switch is right next to the door.
der Lichtschalter
light switch
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Meanings
Usage tips
Compound word
'Lichtschalter' (light switch) is a compound noun made up of 'das Licht' (light) and 'der Schalter' (switch). So it literally refers to a switch for the light.
EXAMPLE
Wo ist hier der Lichtschalter? Es ist so dunkel.
Where is the light switch here? It's so dark.
Typical verbs
To use a light switch, you use verbs such as 'drücken' (to press), 'betätigen' (to operate), or 'umlegen' (to flip). The result is that the light 'angeht' (goes on) or 'ausgeht' (goes off).
EXAMPLE
Kannst du bitte den Lichtschalter drücken? Ich habe keine Hand frei.
Could you please press the light switch? I don't have a hand free.
Action and result
A distinction is made between the action at the switch and the effect. You 'drückt' (press) the light switch in order to 'einzuschalten' (turn on) or 'auszuschalten' (turn off) the light.
EXAMPLE
Er hat den Lichtschalter betätigt, aber das Licht ging nicht an.
He operated the light switch, but the light didn't come on.
Compare with
Lichtschalter vs Schalter
switch / counter
'der Schalter' and 'der Lichtschalter' both mean a control used to switch something on and off. 'Schalter' is the more general word: it can belong to a light, machine, heater, or another device. 'Lichtschalter' is more specific and means only the switch for a lamp or another light source. The words can be confused because a light switch is also a switch. When it is clear that light is meant, 'Lichtschalter' sounds more precise; when talking about devices in general, 'Schalter' fits better.
Lichtschalter
Im Flur habe ich den Lichtschalter erst nach langem Suchen gefunden.
In the hallway, I only found the light switch after searching for a long time.
Schalter
Bitte drück nicht auf den Schalter, die Maschine läuft schon.
Please don't press the switch; the machine is already running.
In real life
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