exchange / return
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return / exchange
Returning a purchased item to a store in order to receive a different item, a voucher, or the money back.
Ein Umtausch der reduzierten Ware ist leider ausgeschlossen.
Unfortunately, returns or exchanges of reduced-price goods are excluded.
exchange
The process in which something is exchanged for something else, especially exchanging one currency for another.
Für den Umtausch von Euro in Dollar fällt eine kleine Gebühr an.
A small fee is charged for exchanging euros into dollars.
'Der Umtausch' (the exchange/return) is the noun related to the separable verb 'umtauschen' (to exchange/return). If you know the verb, you can easily infer the meaning of the noun, since it describes the process of exchanging or returning something.
Ich möchte diese Hose umtauschen, weil sie mir nicht passt.
I would like to exchange these pants because they don't fit me.
In retail, the phrase 'vom Umtausch ausgeschlossen' (excluded from return/exchange) is very common. It means that you cannot return a purchased item, which is often the case especially with reduced-price items.
Auf dem Kassenzettel stand: „Reduzierte Artikel sind vom Umtausch ausgeschlossen.“
The receipt said: 'Reduced-price items are excluded from returns or exchanges.'
When it comes to exchanging money, the structure 'der Umtausch von [currency A] in [currency B]' (the exchange of [currency A] into [currency B]) is used. Pay attention to the prepositions 'von' (from/of) and 'in' (into).
Der Umtausch von Schweizer Franken in Euro ist am Flughafen möglich.
The exchange of Swiss francs into euros is possible at the airport.
change / switch
Both words can describe changing from one currency to another. Wechsel refers generally to the currency conversion, while Umtausch places more emphasis on the specific act of exchanging. Use Wechsel for the change of currency and Umtausch for the actual transaction.
Der Umtausch von Euro in Kronen ist am Flughafen besonders teuer.
Exchanging euros for crowns is particularly expensive at the airport.
Der Wechsel von Euro in Kronen ist am Flughafen besonders teuer.
Converting euros to crowns is particularly expensive at the airport.
