off
Switched off, not in operation. Used mainly for electrical devices and is the opposite of 'on'.
EXAMPLE
Mach bitte das Licht off, wenn du den Raum verlässt.
Please turn the light off when you leave the room.
off
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Meanings
aus dem Off
off-screen
In film or theater, the term for a voice or sound whose source is not visible to the audience.
EXAMPLE
Die Stimme des Erzählers kam aus dem Off.
The narrator's voice came from off-screen.
off
Colloquial for having time off, not having to work.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe morgen den ganzen Tag off und kann ausschlafen.
I have the whole day off tomorrow and can sleep in.
Usage tips
Origin of the word
'Off' is a loanword from English. It has become established mainly in colloquial speech for certain narrowly defined meanings.
EXAMPLE
Ist der Fernseher an oder off?
Is the TV on or off?
Use with verbs
In the meaning 'ausgeschaltet' (switched off), 'off' is usually used with the verbs 'sein' (to be, for the state) or 'machen' (to make/turn, for the action).
EXAMPLE
Das Radio ist noch off.
The radio is still off.
Fixed technical term
The expression 'aus dem Off' (from off-screen/offstage) is a fixed technical term from film, television, and theater. It describes a voice or sound whose source you do not see in the image.
EXAMPLE
Der Film beginnt mit einer Erzählerstimme aus dem Off.
The film begins with a narrator's voice from off-screen.
Colloquial expression
The phrase 'off haben' (to have off) is colloquial and means 'frei haben' (to have time off) or 'nicht arbeiten müssen' (not to have to work). It is often used in informal conversations about work.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe am Freitag off und wir könnten ins Kino gehen.
I have Friday off, and we could go to the movies.
Compare with
off vs aus
from / out
“Aus” and “off” can mean, when used with an electrical device, that it is not running. “Aus” is the everyday German word for this, while “off” is also used, especially with devices. In a standard German sentence, “aus” is therefore usually the appropriate choice.
off
Auf dem Display steht, dass der Fernseher off ist.
The display says that the television is off.
aus
Bitte schalte den Fernseher aus, wenn du ins Bett gehst.
Please turn off the television when you go to bed.
In real life
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