noun
elevator
B1
Lift is a German noun meaning 'elevator' or 'lift' (British). Gender is der; plural usually 'Lifte'. It’s a loanword from English, used colloquially; formal alternative is 'Aufzug'. Declension irregularities are minor: genitive singular 'des Lifts'. No special preposition required; just use standard articles and case endings in everyday speech often.
Examples
Die Besucher benutzten den Lift, weil die Treppe gesperrt worden war.
The visitors used the lift because the stairs had been closed.
Der Lift ist im zweiten Stock ausgefallen, wir nehmen die Treppe.
The elevator is out of order on the second floor, we'll take the stairs.
Der Lift ist außer Betrieb, wir müssen die Treppe nehmen.
The elevator is out of order; we have to take the stairs.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture pressing a button and the 'Lift' doors closing as you go up.
Same as English 'lift' (British), meaning elevator.
Der Lift — imagine a male lift operator (der) to remember the gender.
Notes
Lift is a German loanword for elevator; in some regions 'Aufzug' is more common. Gender is masculine.