to download
Loading your saved state.
to download
To copy data, such as a file, program, or video, from the internet or a network onto your own computer or another device. It is a separable verb.
Ich lade mir gerade den neuen Film runter.
I'm downloading the new film right now.
'Runterladen' (to download) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'runter' goes at the end of the sentence. In subordinate clauses or in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together, with 'zu' inserted between the parts.
Ich lade mir schnell die App runter.
I'll quickly download the app.
The verb is made up of the short form 'runter' (from 'herunter', down) and 'laden' (to load). Literally, it means to load something from a distant place such as the internet 'down' onto your own device.
Kannst du mir die Fotos von der Party runterladen?
Can you download the photos from the party for me?
'Runterladen' (to download) is the common form in everyday and colloquial language. In more formal or written contexts, the full form 'herunterladen' is often used.
Lass uns den neuen Song runterladen!
Let's download the new song!
'Runterladen' (to download) is usually used with digital content. Typical combinations are: eine App runterladen (to download an app), einen Film runterladen (to download a film), Musik runterladen (to download music), or ein Update runterladen (to download an update).
Für die Reise habe ich mir ein paar Hörbücher runtergeladen.
I downloaded a few audiobooks for the trip.
to install
'installieren' and 'runterladen' are often part of working with programs and files, but they describe different steps. 'runterladen' is the colloquial form of 'herunterladen' and means that data is copied from the internet onto a device. 'installieren' means that a program is set up so that you can use it. They are easy to confuse with apps: you download the file or app, but you install the program.
Das Kind hat ein Video für die lange Fahrt runtergeladen.
The child downloaded a video for the long journey.
Die Eltern haben die Behörden-App zur Vorbereitung auf den Termin installiert.
The parents installed the government app to prepare for the appointment.