interface / point of contact
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interface
In technology and computer science, a defined point at which two different systems, devices, or programs are connected and exchange information.
Die neue Software hat eine Schnittstelle, um Daten direkt aus der Datenbank zu importieren.
The new software has an interface for importing data directly from the database.
point of contact
An area or function where different departments, disciplines, or interest groups work together or meet.
Als Projektmanager arbeitet er an der Schnittstelle zwischen Entwicklung und Marketing.
As a project manager, he works at the point of contact between development and marketing.
The word consists of 'Schnitt' (cut/intersection, from 'schneiden' (to cut)) and 'Stelle' (place/point). So it literally describes a point where two lines or areas intersect or meet, which is the basis for both meanings.
An der Schnittstelle der beiden Flüsse entstand eine neue Stadt.
A new city developed at the intersection of the two rivers.
'Schnittstelle' (interface/point of contact) is very often used with the preposition 'zwischen' (between) to name the connected elements. The most common construction is 'die Schnittstelle zwischen A und B' (the interface/point of contact between A and B).
Unsere Abteilung bildet die Schnittstelle zwischen der Produktion und dem Vertrieb.
Our department forms the point of contact between production and sales.
The context makes it clear which meaning is intended. Words like 'Software' (software), 'API', 'Daten' (data), or 'Gerät' (device) point to the technical meaning. Terms like 'Abteilung' (department), 'Team' (team), 'Projekt' (project), or 'Disziplin' (discipline) point to the organizational meaning.
Wir brauchen eine Schnittstelle für den Datenaustausch.
We need an interface for data exchange.
In a technical context, a 'Schnittstelle' (interface) is often 'bereitgestellt' (provided), 'definiert' (defined), 'implementiert' (implemented), or 'genutzt' (used).
Der Hersteller stellt eine Schnittstelle zur Verfügung, um eigene Erweiterungen zu programmieren.
The manufacturer provides an interface for programming your own extensions.
connection / association
Verbindung is the technical link between two systems. Schnittstelle, by contrast, is the defined point through which these systems exchange information. Verbindung therefore fits a cable, while Schnittstelle is used for a defined connection or transition point.
Der USB-Anschluss dient als Schnittstelle zwischen dem Scanner und dem Computer.
The USB port serves as the interface between the scanner and the computer.
Das Kabel stellt die Verbindung zwischen dem Scanner und dem Computer her.
The cable establishes the connection between the scanner and the computer.
