aktivieren
/aktiˈviːʁən/
The English verb 'enable' can be translated into German as aktivieren or einschalten.
Meaning: to activate a function of an electronic or mechanical device (verb)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| aktivieren | /aktiˈviːʁən/ |
| einschalten | /ˈʔaɪ̯nʃaltn̩/ /ˈʔaɪ̯nʃaltən/ |
Use aktivieren when referring specifically to enabling a software feature, a setting or a specific function within a system. Use einschalten when the context is turning on the power to a device or switching a physical component to an 'on' state.
Which one should you use?
aktivieren is the technical choice used for enabling functions or features. In contrast, einschalten means 'to switch on' or 'to turn on' and is used for physical actions, such as providing power to a machine.
How does it change in a sentence?
aktivieren forms its past participle as aktiviert, which can be used as an adjective or to form the perfect tense (for example, 'hat aktiviert'). einschalten is a separable prefix verb.
How do you pronounce it?
/aktiˈviːʁən/
Did you know?
- The word einschalten can also mean 'to intervene' or 'to bring someone into a conversation' or a legal dispute.
- While einschalten means 'to enable' or 'to switch on', the verb schalten on its own refers to shifting gears in a manual car.
- The suffix '-ieren' in aktivieren is a linguistic marker of words that were adopted into German from Latin or French, often signaling a newer or more technical concept.
Examples in context
- Die neue Software ermöglicht eine effizientere Datenverarbeitung.The new software enables more efficient data processing.
- Der Chef ermöglichte mir eine Arbeitspause.The boss enabled me to take a break.
- Welche Tastenkombination schaltet die Tastensperre frei?Which key combination unlocks the keypad lock?
- Hast du mir den Zugang zum Spiel freigeschaltet?Did you enable access to the game for me?
- Möchtest du den privaten Modus in deinem Browser aktivieren?Do you want to enable private mode in your browser?
- Die Funktion wurde aktiviert.The function was enabled.
- Du musst die Benachrichtigungen zuerst aktivieren.You have to activate the notifications first.
- Können Sie bitte die Sicherheitsfunktion aktivieren?Could you please activate the security function?
- Nach dem Update musst du den Bluetooth-Modus aktivieren.After the update, you need to activate Bluetooth mode.
Example conversation
Lukas and Julia are trying to set up a new smart home device.
- LukasDas Gerät funktioniert noch nicht richtig.The device is not working correctly yet.
- JuliaHast du die automatische Einstellung aktiviert?Did you activate the automatic setting?
- LukasNein, das habe ich vergessen.No, I forgot to do that.
- JuliaDann aktivieren wir sie jetzt schnell.Then let's activate it quickly now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “enable” translations and entries aktivieren, einschalten, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aktivieren, einschalten, CC BY-SA 4.0.
