das Licht anmachen
/das lɪçt ˈanˌmaχən/word by word
To turn on the light in German is das Licht anmachen.
This phrase is used to describe starting the flow of electricity to a lamp or light source so that it provides light. The verb anmachen specifically means to switch on in this context.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase uses the separable verb anmachen, where the prefix an- indicates the activation of a device and machen means to make or to do.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
das Licht einschalten is a more formal or technical way to say the same thing compared to the colloquial anmachen.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb anmachen is a separable verb. In the simple past tense, it becomes machte das Licht an. For an informal imperative command directed at one person, you use mach das Licht an.
How do you pronounce it?
/das lɪçt ˈanˌmaχən/
Did you know?
- The verb anmachen can have a very different, provocative meaning in a social context, as it is also a common slang term for flirting with or hitting on someone.
- Because anmachen can also mean 'to ignite', using it for a lamp creates a conceptual link between electricity and fire that English avoids.
- The word Licht is a direct linguistic relative of the English word 'light', as both descend from the Proto-Germanic root *leuhtą.
Examples in context
- Soll ich das Licht anmachen?Do you want me to turn on the light?This sentence is useful for asking if someone wants you to turn on the light.Tatoeba #8077363 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5125793 by CK
- Könntest du bitte das Licht anmachen?Could you turn on the light, please?This sentence is useful for politely asking someone to turn on the light.Tatoeba #6069 by al_ex_an_der, translation #6043 by Zifre
- Es ist dunkel geworden. Würdest du bitte das Licht anmachen?It's become dark. Would you turn on the light?This sentence is useful for requesting that the light be turned on because it has become dark.Tatoeba #1808016 by pne, translation #1125380 by Scott
- Können Sie bitte das Licht einschalten?Can you please turn on the light?
- Können Sie bitte das Licht anmachen?Can you please switch on the light?
- Kannst du bitte die Lampe einschalten?Can you please turn on the lamp?
- Können Sie bitte die Beleuchtung anschalten?Can you please switch on the lighting?
- Könnten Sie mir bitte beim Einschalten des Lichts helfen?Could you please help me with turning on the light?
- Kannst du mir bitte helfen, das Licht anzuschalten?Can you please help me turn on the light?
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
In the living room during a storm.
- SarahIch kann nichts sehen. Kannst du bitte das Licht anmachen?I can't see anything. Can you please turn on the light?
- JulianJa, ich mache das Licht sofort an.Yes, I'll turn on the light immediately.
- SarahDanke, Julian. Jetzt ist es heller.Thanks, Julian. Now it is brighter.
- JulianGerne, Sarah. Jetzt ist es nicht mehr so dunkel.You're welcome, Sarah. Now it's not so dark anymore.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (das, Licht, anmachen) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Licht, anmachen, das, licht, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
