to unlock / de-energize
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to unlock
To make a previously blocked or unavailable access point, function, or piece of content usable. This often happens after a check, payment, or reaching a certain goal.
Nachdem Sie Ihr Konto verifiziert haben, werden alle Funktionen freigeschaltet.
After you have verified your account, all functions will be unlocked.
to de-energize
In electrical engineering, to make an electrical system or circuit voltage-free, that is, to disconnect it from the power supply so that maintenance or repair work can be carried out safely.
Der Elektriker muss den Sicherungskasten freischalten, bevor er die neue Lampe installieren kann.
The electrician has to de-energize the fuse box before he can install the new lamp.
The word is made up of 'frei' (free) and 'schalten' (to switch). The literal meaning is to 'switch' something into a 'free' or accessible state.
Du musst das nächste Level im Spiel erst freischalten.
You have to unlock the next level in the game first.
'Freischalten' (to unlock / de-energize) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'frei' goes at the end. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Der Techniker schaltet den Anschluss morgen frei.
The technician will activate the connection tomorrow.
The context reveals the meaning: if it is about digital content such as accounts, functions, or games, it means 'to grant access'. If it is about electrical systems or fuses, it means 'to disconnect from the power supply'.
Nach der Bezahlung schalten wir Ihnen den Premium-Zugang frei.
After payment, we will unlock premium access for you.
In a digital context, the verb is often used with accusative objects such as 'ein Konto' (an account), 'neue Inhalte' (new content), 'ein Level' (a level), or 'eine Funktion' (a function).
Wenn du 1000 Punkte erreichst, schaltest du einen Bonus frei.
When you reach 1,000 points, you unlock a bonus.
In the meaning 'vom Strom trennen' (to disconnect from the power supply), 'freischalten' (to de-energize) is a technical term from electrical engineering. In everyday language, people would be more likely to say that they turn off the power or remove the fuse.
Die Sicherheitsvorschriften verlangen, den Stromkreis vor Beginn der Arbeiten freizuschalten.
The safety regulations require the circuit to be de-energized before work begins.
to activate
Aktivieren and freischalten can both make a function usable. Aktivieren puts it into an active or operational state. Freischalten, by contrast, emphasizes that an existing access or permission block is removed.
Nach der Identitätsprüfung schaltet die Bank die Bezahlfunktion für die Kundin frei.
After verifying the customer's identity, the bank unlocks the payment function for her.
Die Kundin aktiviert die neue Bezahlfunktion in den Einstellungen.
The customer activates the new payment function in the settings.
