01
entladen
to unload
To remove the load or freight from a vehicle, ship, or means of transport.
example
Die Arbeiter haben den Lastwagen in weniger als einer Stunde entladen.
The workers unloaded the truck in less than an hour.
entladen
to unload / discharge
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The verb is made up of the prefix 'ent-' and the verb 'laden' (to load). The prefix 'ent-' here expresses a reversal or removal: you undo the loading.
EXAMPLE
Die Möbelpacker haben den ganzen Wagen entladen.
The movers unloaded the whole truck.
Reflexive use
The meanings related to electricity and emotions are used reflexively: 'etwas entlädt sich' (something discharges/erupts). The meaning of unloading freight, however, is not reflexive: 'jemand entlädt etwas' (someone unloads something).
EXAMPLE
Der Akku meines Handys hat sich über Nacht vollständig entladen.
My phone battery completely discharged overnight.
Typical collocations
In the literal meaning, the verb is often combined with means of transport and their cargo: 'einen LKW entladen' (to unload a truck), 'ein Schiff entladen' (to unload a ship), 'Waren entladen' (to unload goods), or 'Container entladen' (to unload containers).
EXAMPLE
Am Hafen wird gerade ein großes Containerschiff entladen.
A large container ship is currently being unloaded at the harbor.
Sentence structure with emotions
When emotions 'sich entladen' (erupt), the preposition 'in' with the accusative is often used to describe the type of outburst.
EXAMPLE
Seine aufgestaute Wut entlud sich in einem lauten Schrei.
His pent-up anger erupted in a loud scream.
Compare with
entladen vs leer
empty
'leer' and 'sich entladen' can be very similar when talking about batteries or rechargeable batteries. 'Der Akku ist leer' (the battery is dead) describes the state: there is no electrical charge left. 'Der Akku hat sich entladen' (the battery has discharged) describes more the process: the stored energy has gradually gone away. In everyday language, people often simply say 'leer' because it sounds short and natural. 'sich entladen' sounds more technical or more precise, especially when you want to explain why a device no longer works.
entladen
Die Batterie hat sich über Nacht entladen.
The battery discharged overnight.
leer
Der Akku meiner Kamera ist leer, deshalb kann ich keine Fotos mehr machen.
My camera battery is dead, so I can't take any more photos.
In real life
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