abschalten

/ˈapˌʃaltən/
verbIntermediate
formalinformal

To turn off or deactivate a device, machine, or system.

Er hat den Computer abgeschaltet, bevor er ging.

He turned off the computer before he left.

💡

Commonly used for electronic devices, machinery, or systems.

informal

To disconnect or disengage from something, often mentally or emotionally.

Nach einem stressigen Tag schalte ich gerne ab.

After a stressful day, I like to disconnect.

💡

Used metaphorically to describe relaxation or mental disengagement.

Collocations

abschalten vonto disconnect fromabschalten lassento have something turned off

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

abschalten und entspannenphrase
to turn off and relax

💡Pro Tip

Separable Prefix

The prefix 'ab-' can be separated in certain contexts, such as in the past participle 'abgeschaltet'.

Gold Rule

Common Usage

Use 'abschalten' for both literal and metaphorical contexts, such as turning off devices or disconnecting mentally.

📖Word Origin

From the German prefix 'ab-' (off) and the verb 'schalten' (to switch).

📝Usage Notes

The verb is separable, meaning the prefix 'ab-' can be separated in certain grammatical contexts.

Word Breakdown

ab-
off
prefix
+
schalten
to switch
root
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