Before you start
Meet abschalten
Read how the verb is used, then write your own 10 sentences with it.
Build the meaning
ab- + schalten
- ab-
- away or off
- schalten
- to switch or change gears
You switch something away from its active setting, or mentally switch off from what is engaging you.
So abschalten means to switch off; to mentally switch off or unwind.
A memory aid, not a rule: prefixes change meaning from verb to verb.
Learning approach inspired by this explanation in r/German.
Verb family
More verbs built on schalten
Same base verb, a different prefix, a new meaning.
Separable verb: ab·schalten
In a main clause the prefix ab splits off and goes to the end. After weil, dass and other subordinating words, the verb stays in one piece at the end.
Main clauseIch schalte das Radio ab.I switch off the radio.
Subordinate clauseIch bin froh, weil ich das Radio abschalte.I’m glad because I’m switching off the radio.
Participle: abgeschaltetzu-infinitive: abzuschalten
Forms
How abschalten changes
| Pronoun | Präsens | Präteritum |
|---|---|---|
| ich | schalte ab | schaltete ab |
| du | schaltest ab | schaltetest ab |
| er/sie/es | schaltet ab | schaltete ab |
| wir | schalten ab | schalteten ab |
| ihr | schaltet ab | schaltetet ab |
| Sie | schalten ab | schalteten ab |
Partizip II abgeschaltet · Perfekt with haben
Three examples
- 1Ich schalte den Fernseher ab.I switch off the TV.prefix goes to the end
- 2Sie hat das Licht abgeschaltet.She switched off the light.Perfekt with haben
- 3Am Abend kann ich gut abschalten.In the evening, I can relax well.modal verb with infinitive
Task 1 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
abschalten + der Fernseher
Your challenge
- 1Use the present tense.
- 2Include der Fernseher as the thing you switch off.
Task 2 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
I switched it off after dinnerdas Abendessen.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 3 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
When I got homezu Hause, I switched off the computerder Computer.
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Task 4 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
She switched off the radiodas Radio because the newsdie Nachricht, die Nachrichten was over.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 5 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
The phonedas Handy that he switched off was still ringingklingeln.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 6 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
You should switch off the lightdas Licht before you leave.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 7 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
He went for a walkspazieren gehen to switch off after workdie Arbeit.
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 8 of 10 · Translate
Translate into German:
Could you switch off the TVder Fernseher, please?
Stuck on a word? Hover or tap an underlined word to see it in German.
Task 9 of 10 · Build a sentence
Build a German sentence using these words:
abschalten + obwohl + der Lärm
Your challenge
- 1Start with an obwohl-clause.
- 2Put the conjugated verb at the end of that clause.
- 3Use abschalten to say you can unwind.
Task 10 of 10 · Free writing
Answer in one full German sentence:
What do you do to switch off after a busy day?
Your challenge
- 1Answer with one sentence about what you do.
- 2Use abschalten to say how you unwind.