What is the English equivalent of 'Schnittstelle'?

The term 'Schnittstelle' directly translates to 'interface' in English. In technical contexts, an interface refers to a point of interaction between different systems, devices, or software applications, where data and signals are exchanged. This concept is fundamental in various fields, particularly in computer science and engineering, where different components must communicate effectively.

For instance, in software development, an application programming interface (API) serves as an interface, allowing different programs to interact with each other. In hardware, interfaces facilitate communication between devices or modules.

The other options do not capture the specific meaning of 'Schnittstelle'. A 'layer' typically refers to a level of abstraction or a stratum in various contexts, such as OSI model layers in networking. A 'joint' usually signifies a connection or a point of articulation between structures, which is more physical in nature. A 'label' refers to an identifying or descriptive tag, which does not convey the concept of interaction and connectivity inherent in 'interface'.