aktualisieren
to update
To bring something up to date by adding or applying new information, data, or versions.
EXAMPLE
Du solltest dringend die Software deines Computers aktualisieren.
You should urgently update your computer's software.
aktualisieren
to update / refresh
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Meanings
aktualisieren
to refresh
To reload the display on a screen, especially a webpage, in order to show the most current content.
EXAMPLE
Bitte aktualisiere die Seite, um zu sehen, ob deine Bestellung bestätigt wurde.
Please refresh the page to see whether your order has been confirmed.
Usage tips
Word structure
The verb is derived from the adjective 'aktuell' (current/up-to-date). The ending '-isieren' is a common way to form verbs and means 'to make something ...'. So 'aktualisieren' (to update) literally means 'to make current'.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss meine Kontaktdaten im System aktualisieren.
I need to update my contact details in the system.
Grammar pattern
Verbs ending in '-ieren' are always regular and form the past participle without 'ge-'. So it is 'hat aktualisiert' (has updated) and not 'hat geaktualisiert'.
EXAMPLE
Er hat sein Profilbild auf der Webseite aktualisiert.
He updated his profile picture on the website.
Typical collocations
In technical and digital contexts, 'aktualisieren' (to update) is often used with the following nouns: 'die Software' (the software), 'die Daten' (the data), 'die App' (the app), 'das Antivirenprogramm' (the antivirus program), or 'das Betriebssystem' (the operating system).
EXAMPLE
Vergiss nicht, deine Apps regelmäßig zu aktualisieren.
Don't forget to update your apps regularly.
Internet context
In the context of internet browsers, 'aktualisieren' (to refresh) means something like 'to reload'. You refresh 'die Webseite' (the webpage), 'den Tab' (the tab), or 'den Browser' (the browser) to see the latest content.
EXAMPLE
Aktualisiere mal die Seite, vielleicht sind die Ergebnisse schon online.
Refresh the page, maybe the results are already online.
Compare with
aktualisieren vs erneuern
to renew
Aktualisieren and erneuern can both make something current again. Aktualisieren usually means bringing existing information or data up to date; erneuern emphasizes replacing something old with something new. Choose aktualisieren for content and erneuern for a genuine replacement.
aktualisieren
Die Redaktion aktualisiert den Artikel mit den neuesten Zahlen.
The editorial team is updating the article with the latest figures.
erneuern
Die Redaktion erneuert den alten Artikel vollständig mit neuen Informationen.
The editorial team is completely replacing the old article with new information.
In real life
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