Shift
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Shift key
The Shift key on a computer keyboard, used to type capital letters or activate the secondary function of a key.
Halte die Shift gedrückt, während du einen Buchstaben tippst, um ihn großzuschreiben.
Hold down Shift while typing a letter to capitalize it.
The word 'Shift' is a word borrowed directly from English (an Anglicism). In German, it is used in the specific contexts of 'Tastatur' (keyboard) and 'Arbeitsschicht' (work shift).
In vielen internationalen Firmen ist der Begriff „Shift“ für die Arbeitszeit normal.
In many international companies, the term 'Shift' for working hours is normal.
You can always tell from context whether the keyboard key or the work shift is meant. If people are talking about computers and typing, the key is meant. If it is about work, working hours, or a duty roster, shift work is meant.
Drück mal die Shift, dann kannst du das Sonderzeichen machen.
Press Shift, then you can type the special character.
In the context of work, 'Shift' is often combined with adjectives like 'früh' (early), 'spät' (late), or 'lang' (long). Typical verbs are 'eine Shift haben' (to have a shift), 'eine Shift übernehmen' (to take over a shift), or 'in Shifts arbeiten' (to work in shifts).
Ich habe heute die späte Shift und bin erst nach Mitternacht zu Hause.
I have the late shift today and won't be home until after midnight.
service / duty
'der Dienst' and 'die Shift' can both mean a specific period of working time. 'Dienst' is the normal German word, especially in jobs with fixed hours, for example in a hospital, with the police, or in security service. 'Shift' comes from English and is used more in modern work environments or in informal language. It can also mean the group that works during that time. The words can be confused because both often function like 'Schicht' (shift). What matters, however, is that 'die Shift' can also mean the Shift key on a keyboard; 'der Dienst' cannot.
Die späte Shift beginnt heute erst um acht Uhr.
The late shift starts at eight o'clock today.
Am Wochenende hat die Ärztin wieder Dienst im Krankenhaus.
At the weekend, the doctor is on duty at the hospital again.