verb
anschalten
turn on · switch on
Etwas so machen, dass es beginnt zu laufen, zu leuchten oder zu arbeiten.
The German word "anschalten" is a verb meaning "to switch on" or "to turn on" (an electrical device). It is composed of:
- "an" (prefix meaning "on")
- "schalten" (verb meaning "to switch")
Similar words:
- einschalten – also means "to switch on"
- anmachen – colloquial for "turn on"
- aktivieren – "to activate"
Differences:
- anschalten and einschalten are mostly interchangeable for turning on devices.
- anmachen is more informal/colloquial.
- aktivieren implies enabling a function or feature rather than simply turning on power.
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Examples
Kannst du bitte das Licht anschalten?verb
Can you please turn on the light?
Er soll die Lampe anschalten.verb
He should switch on the lamp.
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