to shut down / immobilize / deregister
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to shut down
To take a plant, factory, or machine out of operation permanently or for a longer period of time.
Das Atomkraftwerk wurde nach 40 Jahren Betrieb endgültig stillgelegt.
The nuclear power plant was shut down permanently after 40 years of operation.
'Stilllegen' (to shut down / immobilize / deregister) is a separable verb made up of 'still' (quiet/still) and 'legen' (to lay/put). In a main clause, the prefix 'still' goes at the end; in subordinate clauses and in the infinitive, the verb stays together.
Die Firma legt die alte Fabrik nächstes Jahr still.
The company is shutting down the old factory next year.
The verb 'stilllegen' (to shut down / immobilize / deregister) is transitive, meaning it always requires an accusative object. You always shut down, immobilize, or deregister *something*.
Der Arzt hat meinen Arm für zwei Wochen stillgelegt.
The doctor immobilized my arm for two weeks.
The object of the verb makes the meaning clear. If it is a plant or factory, it refers to production. With a body part, it means medical immobilization. With a vehicle, it refers to official deregistration.
Man muss ein Auto offiziell stilllegen, wenn man es nicht mehr fährt.
You have to officially deregister a car if you no longer drive it.
In an economic context, 'stilllegen' (to shut down) is often used for large facilities or entire divisions. Typical objects are: a factory, a power plant, production, or a mine.
Wegen mangelnder Aufträge musste die Firma eine ganze Produktionslinie stilllegen.
Because of a lack of orders, the company had to shut down an entire production line.
to allow / admit / keep closed
'zulassen' and 'stilllegen' form a clear opposite, especially with vehicles. 'zulassen' means that a vehicle is officially registered and is allowed to be driven on public roads. 'stilllegen' means that a vehicle is deregistered and taken out of operation. The words can be confused because both have to do with authorities and vehicle documents. Memory aid: with 'zulassen', official use begins; with 'stilllegen', it ends.
Wegen der hohen Kosten legt Paul sein altes Auto im Winter still.
Because of the high costs, Paul is deregistering his old car for the winter.
Bevor wir das Motorrad fahren dürfen, müssen wir es bei der Behörde zulassen.
Before we are allowed to ride the motorcycle, we have to register it with the authorities.