einschalten

/ˈaɪnˌʃaltn̩/
verbIntermediate
general

To activate or turn on a device, machine, or system by switching it on.

Er hat den Fernseher eingeschaltet.

He turned on the TV.

💡

Commonly used for electrical devices and systems.

general

To connect or involve someone or something in an activity or process.

Sie hat sich in das Gespräch eingeschaltet.

She joined the conversation.

💡

Used metaphorically to describe joining or participating in something.

Collocations

einschaltento turn oneinschalten into join in

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

einschalten lassenphrase
to have someone turn something on

💡Pro Tip

Separable Prefix

Remember that 'einschalten' is a separable verb, so in the past participle, the prefix 'ein-' moves to the end: 'Er hat das Licht eingeschaltet.' (He turned on the light.)

Gold Rule

Context Matters

The meaning of 'einschalten' can vary based on context. It can mean 'to turn on' for devices or 'to join in' for activities.

📖Word Origin

From the German verb 'schalten' (to switch) with the prefix 'ein-' (in, into), meaning to switch something on or into an active state.

📝Usage Notes

The verb 'einschalten' is separable, meaning the prefix 'ein-' can be separated from the verb in certain grammatical constructions, such as in the past participle 'eingeschaltet'.

Word Breakdown

ein-
in, into
prefix
+
schalten
to switch
root
Deutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch