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.
'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 be something that you press. 'Knopf' is more general and often means a single, round push button on a device. 'Taste' is used especially for keyboards, telephones, remote controls, and musical instruments such as the piano. A 'Taste' is often part of a row or surface with several keys or buttons. The words can be confused because both work by being pressed. When talking about a computer, mobile phone, or piano, 'Taste' is usually more natural; for a single pushable part on a device, 'Knopf' often fits.
Auf der Tastatur klemmt eine Taste, deshalb kann Lisa nicht weiter schreiben.
A key on the keyboard is stuck, so Lisa cannot keep writing.
Nach der Arbeit drücken die Eltern aus Versehen den falschen Knopf an der Heizung.
After work, the parents accidentally press the wrong button on the heating system.