switch
Loading your saved state.
switch
A device in computer networking that receives data packets and forwards them specifically to the correct device in the network.
Der Netzwerkadministrator hat einen neuen Switch installiert, um die Leistung zu verbessern.
The network administrator installed a new switch to improve performance.
'Der Switch' (switch) is a word from English (an anglicism) and is also pronounced as in English. It has become established especially in technical and business language.
Der Techniker muss den Switch im Serverraum austauschen.
The technician has to replace the switch in the server room.
The verb 'switchen' is derived from the noun 'der Switch' (switch). It is used colloquially for 'wechseln' (to change/switch) or 'umschalten' (to switch over).
Lass uns das Thema switchen, das ist mir zu langweilig.
Let's switch the topic; this is too boring for me.
In the meaning 'Netzwerkgerät' (network device), 'Switch' (switch) is used in IT jargon. Typical words in this context are 'Router' (router), 'Kabel' (cable), 'LAN' (LAN), and 'Netzwerk' (network).
Alle Computer im Büro sind über einen zentralen Switch miteinander verbunden.
All the computers in the office are connected to each other through a central switch.
In the figurative meaning 'Wechsel' (change/switch), 'Switch' (switch) is often used with the preposition 'zu' (to). For example, people talk about the 'Switch zu einem neuen Anbieter' (switch to a new provider) or 'Switch auf eine andere Software' (switch to different software).
Der Switch zum neuen Stromanbieter hat reibungslos funktioniert.
The switch to the new electricity provider went smoothly.
change / switch
'der Wechsel' and 'der Switch' can both mean a change to something else. 'der Wechsel' is the normal German word and fits in many situations, for example with work, a provider, a plan, or a method. 'der Switch' is an English loanword and sounds more modern or technical. You often hear it when talking about strategy, providers, or ways of working. The words can be confused because 'Switch' in a figurative sense means almost the same as 'Wechsel'. For clear everyday German, 'Wechsel' is usually more natural; 'Switch' fits better in technical or professional contexts.
Nach schlechten Verkaufszahlen plant die Firma einen Switch zu einer neuen Strategie.
After poor sales figures, the company is planning a switch to a new strategy.
Der Wechsel auf den früheren Zug spart mir jeden Morgen zwanzig Minuten.
Switching to the earlier train saves me twenty minutes every morning.