der  Button

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈbʌtn̩/

What does 'der Button' mean? 🤔

The term Button (borrowed from English) has two main meanings in German, both using the article der:

1. The pin or badge: Der Button can refer to a small badge or pin that you attach to clothing, often featuring a slogan, logo, or image. Example: Er trug einen Button seiner Lieblingsband am Revers. (He wore a button/pin of his favorite band on his lapel.)

2. The graphical user interface (GUI) element: Der Button also refers to a clickable element on a computer screen, smartphone, or website that triggers a specific action. Example: Klicken Sie auf den „Senden“-Button, um die E-Mail abzuschicken. (Click the 'Send' button to send the email.) ⚠️ Note: For the fastener on clothing (like on a shirt), Germans usually use the word „der Knopf“. In the context of clothing, „Button“ primarily means the pin/badge.

The Grammar Behind 'der Button'

The word Button is a masculine noun. Here’s its declension:

Example Sentences

1. Pin/Badge: Sammelst du auch Buttons von Konzerten? (Do you also collect buttons/pins from concerts?)
2. Pin/Badge: Der Wahlkampfhelfer verteilte Buttons mit dem Parteilogo. (The campaign helper distributed buttons/pins with the party logo.)
3. UI Element: Der Button zum Speichern befindet sich oben rechts. (The button for saving is in the top right corner.)
4. UI Element: Nach dem Klick auf den Button öffnete sich ein neues Fenster. (After clicking the button, a new window opened.)

When to Use 'Button'?

The use of der Button depends heavily on the context:

• Pin/Badge: In this context, „Button“ is very common, especially in youth language and marketing. Alternatives include „der Anstecker“, „der Pin“, or „das Abzeichen“.
• UI Element: In IT, web design, and software development, „Button“ is an established technical term (an Anglizismus). In general conversation, people often use „die Schaltfläche“ (literally 'switching surface') or sometimes „die Taste“ (although „Taste“ usually refers to hardware keys like on a keyboard). The word „Knopf“ (clothing button) is less common for UI elements but can be used colloquially (e.g., „der OK-Knopf“).

🚨 Avoid confusion: When talking about the fastener on a jacket, use „der Knopf“. When referring to a pin/badge, „der Button“ is correct. When referring to a UI element, „der Button“ or „die Schaltfläche“ are appropriate.

Mnemonics for 'der Button' 🧠

• Article Mnemonic: Many modern English loanwords, especially technical ones, are masculine in German: der Computer, der Laptop, der Server, der Blog, and also der Button. Imagine der cool guy (masculine) pinning a button on himself, or der important man (masculine) pressing the crucial button on screen.

• Meaning Mnemonic:

  Picture a Brightly coloured badge you pin on (Button 1), and then you press the Blue start control on your computer screen (Button 2). The 'B' helps connect both meanings.

Similar and Opposite Terms

Similar Words:

• Knopf (der): Primarily means the button on clothing but can sometimes be used for UI buttons colloquially.

A Little Button Joke 😄

Warum hat der Computer Angst vor dem Urlaub?
Er fürchtet sich vor dem „Ausschalten“-Button!

(Why is the computer afraid of vacation?
It's scared of the 'Off' button!)

A Poem About the Button 📜

Ein kleiner Kreis, oft bunt und schick,
Ob Stoff, ob Screen, nur einen Klick.
Mal zeigt er Meinung, laut und klar,
Mal startet er, was lang' nicht war.
Der Button, klein, doch voller Macht,
Hat uns schon oft voran gebracht.

(A little circle, often neat and bright,
On fabric, or screen, just needs a light click.
Sometimes shows opinion, loud and clear,
Sometimes starts what wasn't there for a year.
The button, small, yet full of might,
Has often pushed us towards the light.)

Button Riddle Fun ❓

Ich ziere Jacken, stolz und klein,
oder lade dich zum Klicken ein.
Ich habe keinen Mund, doch löse Aktionen aus,
auf dem Bildschirm oder am Revers zuhaus'.

Was bin ich?

(I adorn jackets, proud and small,
or invite you to click, standing tall.
I have no mouth, but trigger actions with ease,
on the screen or pinned to lapels, if you please.

What am I?)
(Answer: Der Button)

Interesting Facts About 'Button'

Origin: The word „Button“ is a classic example of an Anglizismus (an English loanword) in German. It was adopted directly from English.

Prevalence: Especially in the technical context (software, web), „Button“ is extremely common and often used synonymously with „die Schaltfläche“. For pins/badges, it is also very common, particularly among younger generations or in marketing.