anschalten
to switch on
To put an electrical device, a machine, or a light into operation by pressing or flipping a switch.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du bitte das Licht anschalten? Es wird dunkel.
Can you please switch on the light? It's getting dark.
anschalten
to switch on / to call in
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Meanings
anschalten
to call in
To bring in or inform an official body or person in order to solve a problem or handle a matter.
EXAMPLE
Wenn die Verhandlungen scheitern, werden wir einen Anwalt anschalten müssen.
If the negotiations fail, we will have to call in a lawyer.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Anschalten' is a separable verb. The prefix 'an' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Ich schalte kurz den Fernseher an.
I'll switch on the TV for a moment.
Context clue
The object reveals the meaning. If it is an electrical device (light, radio), it means 'einschalten' (to switch on). If it is a person or institution (lawyer, police), it means 'hinzuziehen' (to call in) or 'informieren' (to inform).
EXAMPLE
Schaltest du bitte die Kaffeemaschine an?
Will you please switch on the coffee machine?
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'in Betrieb nehmen' (to put into operation), 'anschalten' (to switch on) is used with all kinds of electrical devices. Common combinations are: 'das Licht anschalten' (to switch on the light), 'den Computer anschalten' (to switch on the computer), 'die Heizung anschalten' (to switch on the heating).
EXAMPLE
Bevor ich mit der Arbeit beginne, schalte ich immer den Computer an.
Before I start working, I always switch on the computer.
Typical collocations
When it is about bringing in help, 'anschalten' (to call in) is often combined with people or institutions that have authority. Typical examples are: 'einen Anwalt anschalten' (to call in a lawyer), 'die Polizei anschalten' (to call in the police), or 'die Behörden anschalten' (to contact the authorities).
EXAMPLE
Bei rechtlichen Problemen ist es ratsam, frühzeitig einen Anwalt anzuschalten.
In legal problems, it is advisable to call in a lawyer early on.
Compare with
anschalten vs starten
to start
For a machine, both starten and anschalten can be associated with the beginning of operation. Anschalten primarily refers to operating the switch, while starten emphasizes the beginning of the machine's operation or process. Use anschalten for switching it on and starten for the machine subsequently beginning to run.
anschalten
Er schaltet die Maschine am Hauptschalter an.
He switches on the machine at the main switch.
starten
Nach dem Einschalten startet die Maschine automatisch.
The machine starts automatically after it is switched on.
In real life
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