to deactivate
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to deactivate
To put a function, device, system, or account out of operation, switch it off, or make it invalid. It is the opposite of 'aktivieren' (to activate).
Um Akku zu sparen, sollten Sie die Bluetooth-Funktion deaktivieren.
To save battery, you should deactivate the Bluetooth function.
The word consists of the prefix 'de-' and the verb 'aktivieren' (to activate). The prefix 'de-' expresses a reversal or cancellation here. So 'deaktivieren' (to deactivate) literally means to undo an activation.
Ich habe die automatischen Updates auf meinem Handy deaktiviert.
I deactivated the automatic updates on my phone.
Verbs with the prefix 'de-' are always inseparable. This means the prefix remains firmly attached to the verb in all sentence forms and tenses.
Er deaktivierte den Alarm.
He deactivated the alarm.
In digital and technical contexts, 'deaktivieren' (to deactivate) is often used with the following nouns: a function, an account, a device, the Wi-Fi, or notifications.
Wenn du die App nicht mehr nutzt, solltest du dein Konto deaktivieren.
If you no longer use the app, you should deactivate your account.
to extinguish / delete
'löschen' and 'deaktivieren' can both be used with digital accounts, functions, or data. 'löschen' means that something is removed, often permanently: a file, an account, or an entry is gone afterward. 'deaktivieren' means that something is switched off or made invalid. However, it may still exist and can sometimes be activated again later. Learners confuse the words because both appear in apps and settings. Practically speaking: 'löschen' removes something; 'deaktivieren' only switches it off.
Vor dem Urlaub habe ich die Benachrichtigungen deaktiviert.
Before going on vacation, I deactivated the notifications.
Wir löschen die alten Kundendaten nach drei Jahren.
We delete the old customer data after three years.