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die Schicht
layer
A layer or coating of material that lies on a surface or is embedded between other layers.
example
Eine dicke Schicht Staub bedeckte die alten Bücher.
A thick layer of dust covered the old books.
die Schicht
layer / shift
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Schicht' (layer / shift) from the context. In connection with work, a factory, or a hospital, it means the work period. If it is about materials such as dust, paint, or earth, it means a layer. In a social or political context, it refers to groups in society.
EXAMPLE
Mein Bruder arbeitet im Krankenhaus in der Nachtschicht.
My brother works the night shift at the hospital.
Typical collocations
When 'Schicht' means a layer, it is often used with materials and the verbs 'auftragen' (to apply) or 'bilden' (to form). Typical combinations are 'eine Schicht Farbe' (a layer of paint), 'eine Schicht Lack' (a layer of varnish), or 'eine Eisschicht' (a layer of ice).
EXAMPLE
Der Maler muss noch eine zweite Schicht Farbe auftragen.
The painter still has to apply a second layer of paint.
Working hours
In a work context, 'Schicht' is often combined into words like 'Frühschicht' (early shift), 'Spätschicht' (late shift), or 'Nachtschicht' (night shift). The phrase 'in Schichten arbeiten' (to work in shifts) is also very common.
EXAMPLE
Ich kann heute Abend nicht, weil ich Spätschicht habe.
I can't come tonight because I have the late shift.
Social context
In this meaning, 'Schicht' is usually used with adjectives like 'sozial' (social), 'gesellschaftlich' (societal), 'ober-' (upper), 'mittel-' (middle), or 'unter-' (lower) to describe groups in society. It often appears in the plural.
EXAMPLE
Die Studie untersucht die Bildungschancen in verschiedenen gesellschaftlichen Schichten.
The study examines educational opportunities in different social classes.
Compare with
Schicht vs Stand
status / stand
'der Stand' and 'die Schicht' can both have to do with people's position in society. 'der Stand' refers more to the social or professional status of an individual person or a group, often in a somewhat general or traditional sense. 'die Schicht' refers to a larger group of people with similar income, jobs, or level of education, for example the middle class. The words can be confused because both talk about social differences. As a practical rule: for a social group, 'Schicht' usually fits; for a person's position or rank, 'Stand' is more likely.
Schicht
Viele Familien aus dieser Schicht können sich die hohen Mieten kaum noch leisten.
Many families from this social class can hardly afford the high rents anymore.
Stand
In früheren Zeiten bestimmte der Stand einer Familie oft über Ausbildung und Beruf.
In earlier times, a family's social status often determined education and profession.
In real life
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