Shift
Loading your saved state.
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.
shift
A term borrowed from English for a work shift, meaning a specific period of working time or the group of employees who work during that period.
Ich kann heute Abend nicht, ich habe die späte Shift im Hotel.
I can't tonight; I have the late shift at the hotel.
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.
layer / shift
Both words can refer to a fixed period of work. Schicht is the normal German term for this; Shift comes from English and is used only in certain, often internationally oriented work environments. In everyday language, Schicht is usually the better choice, while Shift signals a professional context or a particular register.
Im internationalen Produktionsteam beginnt meine Shift heute um sechs Uhr.
My shift starts at six today on the international production team.
Meine Schicht im Krankenhaus beginnt heute um sechs Uhr.
My shift at the hospital starts at six today.
