anschalten

Anschalten is a German verb meaning to switch on, activate, or enable a device, circuit, or function by applying power or otherwise initiating operation. It is used across technical, automotive, and everyday contexts to describe the moment when a system becomes active or connected.

The term is formed from the prefix an- and the verb Schalten (to switch or connect). In technical language it conveys the act of bringing a subsystem or component into service by connecting it to a power source or control logic. Anglicized equivalents include “to switch on” or “to enable.”

Usage notes: Einschalten and anschalten are closely related and often interchangeable in casual language, but there are nuances. Einschalten is the common everyday term for turning on a device, such as lights or a television. Anschalten is frequently found in technical contexts or when emphasizing the act of connecting a part of a system, such as a power supply or a circuit, to the rest of the installation. In descriptions, the passive form ang Schaltet or angeschaltet describes the device state as on.

Examples illustrate typical usage: “Bitte schalte das Licht ein/ an.” or “Der Netzteil muss angeschaltet werden, bevor der Controller funktioniert.” In manuals, both forms appear, with choice guided by style and tradition rather than a strict rule.

See also: Ausschalten, Einschalten, Schalter, Netzteil, Stromversorgung.