to switch off / to unwind
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to switch off
To take an electrical device, machine, or light source out of operation so that it no longer consumes electricity. Synonym of to turn off.
Vergiss bitte nicht, den Fernseher abzuschalten, bevor du ins Bett gehst.
Please don’t forget to switch off the TV before you go to bed.
'Abschalten' is a separable verb. The prefix 'ab-' comes at the end in main clauses. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Ich schalte jetzt den Computer ab.
I’m switching off the computer now.
You can recognize the meaning from the object: With a device ('Fernseher' — TV, 'Handy' — mobile phone), it means 'ausschalten' (to switch off). Without an object, it usually means 'entspannen' (to relax). With 'Strom' (electricity) or 'Wasser' (water), it means 'Versorgung unterbrechen' (to interrupt the supply).
Schaltest du bitte die Kaffeemaschine ab?
Could you please switch off the coffee machine?
In the meaning 'entspannen' (to relax), 'abschalten' is often intensified with adverbs such as 'richtig' (really), 'völlig' (completely), or 'einfach mal' (just for once). You can also say what you are switching off from: 'vom Alltagsstress abschalten' (to switch off from everyday stress).
Nach einer langen Arbeitswoche muss ich am Wochenende einfach mal abschalten.
After a long workweek, I just need to unwind at the weekend.
to block / to ban
'sperren' and 'abschalten' can both result in something no longer being usable. 'sperren' is used when access or use is blocked, for example with a bank card, an account, or a phone. The thing is not necessarily switched off, but you are not allowed or able to use it. 'abschalten' fits better with devices, machines, lights, or with the supply of electricity, gas, or water. In that case, the operation or supply is ended. In short: 'sperren' blocks access, while 'abschalten' stops the function or supply.
Zu Hause schaltet Johanna den Computer ab, bevor sie schlafen geht.
At home, Johanna switches off the computer before she goes to sleep.
Nach dem Diebstahl lässt Maria sofort ihre Bankkarte sperren.
After the theft, Maria immediately has her bank card blocked.