herunter
down
Expresses movement from a higher to a lower position; downward.
EXAMPLE
Er kletterte vorsichtig die Leiter herunter.
He carefully climbed down the ladder.
herunter
down
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Meanings
herunter
down
Indicates a reduction or drop in a level, value, or condition.
EXAMPLE
Die Temperatur ist auf null Grad herunter gegangen.
The temperature has gone down to zero degrees.
herunter
downloaded
Colloquial for the completion of a download from the internet.
EXAMPLE
Ist das große Update schon herunter?
Is the big update downloaded already?
herunter sein
to be worn out
In a fixed expression: to be physically or emotionally exhausted, drained, or in a bad state.
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Arbeitswoche bin ich mit den Nerven total herunter.
After the long workweek, my nerves are completely shot.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Herunter' (down) consists of 'her' and 'unter'. The direction 'her' describes movement toward the speaker. So 'herunter' means 'down, toward me'.
EXAMPLE
Ich bin oben, wirf den Ball zu mir herunter!
I'm up here; throw the ball down to me!
Separable verb
'Herunter' (down) is a common prefix for separable verbs such as 'herunterladen' (to download), 'herunterfallen' (to fall down), or 'herunterkommen' (to come down). In a main clause, the prefix stands at the end.
EXAMPLE
Pass auf, dass die Tasse nicht vom Tisch herunterfällt.
Be careful that the cup doesn't fall down from the table.
Fixed expression
The expression 'herunter sein' (to be worn out) or 'mit den Nerven herunter sein' (to be at the end of one's rope) is a fixed idiom. It means that someone is completely emotionally or physically exhausted.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Marathon war ich körperlich total herunter.
After the marathon, I was physically completely worn out.
Colloquial use
In colloquial speech, 'herunter' (downloaded) is often used without the verb 'laden' (to load/download) to express that a download is complete. The question 'Ist es schon herunter?' (Is it downloaded already?) is very common.
EXAMPLE
Das Spiel ist riesig, es wird Stunden dauern, bis es herunter ist.
The game is huge; it will take hours until it's downloaded.
Compare with
herunter vs hinunter
down / downward
Herunter and hinunter both describe movement downward. Herunter is especially appropriate when something is moving toward the speaker or an important point of reference; hinunter emphasizes movement away from that point. So ask yourself whether the destination is with the speaker or farther away.
herunter
Bring bitte die Kiste vom Dachboden herunter.
Please bring the box down from the attic.
hinunter
Die Wanderer gingen den steilen Weg zum Tal hinunter.
The hikers walked down the steep path to the valley.
In real life
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