transfer / switch
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transfer
The change from one means of public transportation, such as a bus, train, or airplane, to another during a trip.
In Frankfurt haben wir nur zehn Minuten Zeit für den Umstieg zum Anschlusszug.
In Frankfurt, we have only ten minutes for the transfer to the connecting train.
'Der Umstieg' (transfer / switch) is a noun derived from the separable verb 'umsteigen' (to transfer / to switch). The verb is made up of 'um' and 'steigen' and describes the action of changing from one means of transport or system to another.
Der Umstieg auf das neue System dauert etwa eine Woche.
The switch to the new system takes about a week.
The preposition used depends on the meaning. When changing means of transport, the 'Umstieg' (transfer) takes place 'in' a city. When switching to a new system or method, you speak of the 'Umstieg auf' something (accusative).
Der Umstieg in München war sehr hektisch.
The transfer in Munich was very hectic.
In a travel context, typical phrases are 'Zeit für den Umstieg haben' (to have time for the transfer), 'ein kurzer/langer Umstieg' (a short/long transfer), or 'der Umstieg zum Anschlussflug' (the transfer to the connecting flight).
Wir hatten leider nur fünf Minuten für den Umstieg.
Unfortunately, we had only five minutes for the transfer.
When switching systems, the structure 'der Umstieg von ... auf ...' (the switch from ... to ...) is often used to name both the old and the new system. The preposition 'auf' always takes the accusative here.
Der Umstieg von fossilen Brennstoffen auf erneuerbare Energien ist eine große Herausforderung.
The switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy is a major challenge.
connection
'der Anschluss' and 'der Umstieg' both often come up when traveling by bus, train, or plane. They are easy to confuse because both have to do with changing from one means of transport to the next. 'Der Anschluss' is the onward connection, meaning the train, bus, or flight you want to catch. 'Der Umstieg' is the transfer itself: you get off and get onto another means of transport. In practical terms: you have a transfer in a city and hope you do not miss the connection there.
Der Umstieg in Köln dauert nur zehn Minuten.
The transfer in Cologne takes only ten minutes.
Wegen der Verspätung haben wir den Anschluss nach Hamburg verpasst.
Because of the delay, we missed the connection to Hamburg.