Looking up...
einschalten
/ˈaɪnˌʃaltn̩/
to turn on
Kannst du bitte das Licht einschalten?
Can you please turn on the light?
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
Antonyms
Related Phrases
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
prefixschalten
to switch
rootDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch