key / button
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key / button
A control element on a device such as a keyboard, telephone, or remote control that you press to trigger a function.
Drück bitte die Enter-Taste, um die Eingabe zu bestätigen.
Please press the Enter key to confirm the input.
key
A part of a keyboard instrument such as a piano or electronic keyboard that you press down to produce a sound.
Er spielte eine einfache Melodie nur auf den schwarzen Tasten.
He played a simple melody using only the black keys.
'Die Taste' (key/button) does not mean 'Geschmack' (taste), like the English word 'taste.' It refers to a control element that is pressed. The German word for taste is 'der Geschmack.'
Welche Taste muss ich drücken, um das Programm zu starten?
Which key do I have to press to start the program?
The noun 'die Taste' (key/button) is related to the verb 'tasten' (to feel/touch carefully), which means 'to touch something carefully with the fingers.' So a Taste is something you touch or press with your fingers.
Er tastete im Dunkeln nach dem Lichtschalter.
He felt around in the dark for the light switch.
When referring to control elements, 'Taste' (key/button) is almost always used with the verb 'drücken' (to press). Sometimes you also hear 'tippen' (to type/tap), especially with keyboards.
Drücken Sie die grüne Taste, um den Anruf anzunehmen.
Press the green button to answer the call.
'Taste' (key/button) is often used as the second part of compound words to describe the function. Typical examples are 'die Leertaste' (space bar), 'die Enter-Taste' (Enter key), or 'die Pfeiltaste' (arrow key).
Mit der Leertaste macht man ein Leerzeichen.
You make a space with the space bar.
When people talk about 'weißen Tasten' (white keys) and 'schwarzen Tasten' (black keys), they always mean the keyboard of a musical instrument.
Für Anfänger ist es oft einfacher, nur auf den weißen Tasten zu spielen.
For beginners, it is often easier to play only on the white keys.
button
Knopf and Taste can both refer to a pressable control on a device. Knopf tends to emphasize a single control, often with a round shape, while Taste is especially common for flat elements and parts of a keyboard, telephone, or remote control. The conventions for the particular device often play a role as well.
Drück bitte die Taste auf der Fernbedienung, damit der Fernseher beginnt.
Please press the button on the remote control so that the television starts.
Drück bitte den runden Knopf am Radio, damit die Musik beginnt.
Please press the round button on the radio so that the music starts.
