umschalten
to switch channels
To change the channel on a television or radio.
EXAMPLE
Schalt bitte um, die Sendung ist langweilig.
Please switch channels; the show is boring.
umschalten
to switch
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
umschalten
to switch
To change the mode, setting, or state of a device or system. It can also be used mentally for a change in mindset or concentration.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Urlaub fiel es mir schwer, wieder auf Arbeitsmodus umzuschalten.
After the vacation, I found it hard to switch back into work mode.
umschalten
to transition
In sports, especially soccer, to switch very quickly from defense to offense or vice versa.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Ballgewinn schaltete die Mannschaft sofort um und startete einen Konter.
After winning the ball, the team immediately transitioned and started a counterattack.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Umschalten' (to switch) is a separable verb. The prefix 'um-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Ich schalte schnell auf ein anderes Programm um.
I'll quickly switch to another program.
Sentence structure with 'auf'
When you want to specify what you are switching to, the preposition 'auf' with the accusative is used. This pattern applies to all meanings of the word.
EXAMPLE
Könntest du bitte auf den Nachrichtenkanal umschalten?
Could you please switch to the news channel?
Metaphorical use
In addition to the technical meaning, 'umschalten' is often used metaphorically for a mental shift. For example, you can mentally 'switch' from one topic to another or from leisure time to work.
EXAMPLE
Es fällt mir schwer, nach dem Wochenende mental wieder umzuschalten.
I find it hard to mentally switch back after the weekend.
Sports terminology
This meaning is typical of technical language in sports, especially soccer. It describes the quick transition between attacking and defensive play.
EXAMPLE
Die Mannschaft ist bekannt dafür, nach einem Ballverlust langsam umzuschalten.
The team is known for transitioning slowly after losing the ball.
Compare with
umschalten vs wechseln
to change / switch
Both words can express changing channels while watching television. Wechseln describes changing the channel in general, while umschalten emphasizes deliberately changing it using the remote control or a selection. For the specific action of operating the controls, umschalten is more suitable; in a neutral statement about the new channel, wechseln is enough.
umschalten
In der Werbepause schaltete ich mit der Fernbedienung auf den anderen Sender um.
I switched to the other channel with the remote during the commercial break.
wechseln
In der Werbepause wechselte ich den Sender.
I changed the channel during the commercial break.
In real life
Loading video examples...