01
sich anschnallen
to buckle up
To put on and fasten the seat belt in a vehicle, such as a car or airplane.
example
Vor der Fahrt müssen sich alle Passagiere anschnallen.
Before the trip, all passengers must buckle up.
anschnallen
to buckle up
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Anschnallen' (to buckle up) is a separable verb. The prefix 'an-' comes at the end of the sentence in a main clause. In a subordinate clause or infinitive with 'zu', the verb is not separated.
EXAMPLE
Bitte schnallen Sie sich an.
Please buckle up.
Reflexive vs. transitive
The verb is used in different ways: 'sich anschnallen' means that you fasten your own seat belt. 'Jemanden oder etwas anschnallen' means that you secure another person or an object.
EXAMPLE
Ich schnalle mich vor jeder Fahrt an.
I buckle up before every trip.
Common mistake
When you fasten your own seat belt, you must use the appropriate reflexive pronoun (mich, dich, sich, uns, euch). A sentence like 'Ich schnalle an' is incomplete.
EXAMPLE
Schnallst du dich bitte an?
Will you please buckle up?
Typical imperative
The request to buckle up is very often expressed in the imperative. The most common form is 'Schnall dich an!' (Buckle up!) or, in the polite form, 'Schnallen Sie sich bitte an!' (Please buckle up!).
EXAMPLE
Kinder, schnallt euch an, wir fahren los!
Kids, buckle up, we're leaving!
Compare with
anschnallen vs lösen
to solve / loosen
'lösen' and 'anschnallen' can be opposites when talking about belts or straps. 'anschnallen' means that you fasten a belt or strap and thereby secure yourself, a person, or an object. 'lösen' then means that you open or loosen that belt or strap again. A typical situation is in a car or airplane: before the trip, you buckle up; after the trip, you unfasten the belt.
anschnallen
Im Auto schnallt sie das Kind sorgfältig an.
In the car, she carefully straps the child in.
lösen
Nach der Landung löst Frau Wagner ihren Sicherheitsgurt.
After landing, Ms. Wagner unfastens her seat belt.
In real life
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