German word

herunterfahren

Pronunciation

IPA/hɛˈʁʊntɐˌfaːʁən/

Meaning

  • verbshut down

Example

Ich fahre meinen Computer herunter.

I am shutting down my computer.

Illustration for herunterfahren (shut down)

More examples

Bitte fahre den PC herunter.

Please shut down the PC.

Core concept

A running machine follows its shutdown sequence and settles into inactivity.

Common phrases

  • den PC herunterfahren

    shut down the PC

  • den Server herunterfahren

    shut down the server

Similar words

ausschalten: Power off a device with its switch or an on-screen menu.
abschalten: Stop a system or device by turning off its power or function.
ausmachen: Turn off a light or device with a switch or knob.

Definition in German

Ein Gerät durch eine geordnete Abschaltung außer Betrieb setzen, meist im Zusammenhang mit Computern.

Word origin

The separable compound combines the downward-direction adverb "herunter" with "fahren" for travel or operation, extending from moving down to reducing activity.

Usage tips

  • In a main clause, the prefix separates: "Ich fahre meinen Computer herunter."

Other meanings

  • power downverb
  • scale downverb

Opposites

  • hochfahrenboot upverb
  • startenstartverb

Related words

  • Herunterfahrenshutdownnoun
  • heruntergefahrenshut downadjective

Word lists with this word