01
löschen
to extinguish
To put out a fire or blaze, usually with water or a fire extinguisher.
example
Die Feuerwehr rückte aus, um den Wohnungsbrand zu löschen.
The fire department was called out to extinguish the apartment fire.
löschen
to extinguish / delete
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context is everything
The exact meaning of 'löschen' (to extinguish/delete/erase) almost always depends on the object. Pay attention to what is being 'gelöscht' (extinguished/deleted/erased): a fire, a file, thirst, or an account.
EXAMPLE
Die Feuerwehr musste den Brand löschen.
The fire department had to extinguish the blaze.
Typical collocations
In the context of fire, 'löschen' (to extinguish) is often used with the nouns 'Brand' (fire/blaze), 'Feuer' (fire), or 'Kerze' (candle). The typical subject performing this action is the fire department.
EXAMPLE
Die Anwohner versuchten, das kleine Feuer selbst zu löschen.
The residents tried to extinguish the small fire themselves.
Digital context
When it comes to computers or mobile phones, 'löschen' (to delete) always means removing digital information. Typical objects are 'Datei' (file), 'Foto' (photo), 'Nachricht' (message), or 'App' (app).
EXAMPLE
Bitte lösche die Nachricht, nachdem du sie gelesen hast.
Please delete the message after you have read it.
Fixed expression
The combination 'den Durst löschen' (to quench one's thirst) is a fixed expression. It is almost always used exactly in this form and sounds somewhat elevated.
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Radtour mussten wir dringend unseren Durst löschen.
After the long bike ride, we urgently needed to quench our thirst.
Account and profile
On the internet or with services, 'löschen' (to delete) is used to remove an 'Konto' (account), a 'Profil' (profile), or an 'Eintrag' (entry) from a system.
EXAMPLE
Du kannst dein Benutzerkonto jederzeit in den Einstellungen löschen.
You can delete your user account at any time in the settings.
Compare with
löschen vs entfernen
to remove
'entfernen' and 'löschen' can both mean that something is no longer there afterward. 'entfernen' is more general: you can remove dirt, a sign, a mistake, or an object from a place. 'löschen' fits especially with digital data, accounts, entries, or writing on a board. Learners may confuse the words because, for example, a file can be both 'entfernen' and 'löschen'. In that case, 'löschen' sounds more precise if the file really disappears from the system. 'entfernen' can also simply mean that something is taken out of a list or away from a place.
löschen
Luisa löscht in der Pause die alten Nachrichten auf ihrem Handy.
During the break, Luisa deletes the old messages on her phone.
entfernen
Vor dem Training entferne ich den alten Verband vom Knie.
Before training, I remove the old bandage from my knee.
In real life
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