German word

umstellen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʊmʃtɛlən/

Meaning

  • verbswitch over

Example

Wir stellen die Heizung um.

We are switching the heating over.

Illustration for umstellen (switch over)

More examples

Viele Haushalte stellen im Frühling die Uhren um.

Many households adjust their clocks in spring.

Core concept

Objects, plans, or routines are repositioned so that a different order or response fits the situation.

Common phrases

  • die Uhr umstellen

    adjust the clock

  • sich umstellen auf neue Bedingungen

    adapt to new conditions

  • das Geschäftsmodell umstellen

    switch the business model

Similar words

umschalten: Selecting a different mode or channel on a machine or device.
wechseln: Exchanging one thing or state for another.
einstellen: Setting a machine or device's operation or level to serve a purpose.
verstellen: Altering a device or component by changing its position or angle.

Definition in German

trennbares Verb; etwas durch Umstellen an neue Verhältnisse oder Anforderungen anpassen oder in eine andere Ordnung bringen.

Word origin

German formed umstellen from um- and stellen, with um- marking a change or turning around and stellen meaning 'to place'.

Usage tips

  • The reflexive form sich umstellen means adapting oneself, often with auf plus the accusative for the new conditions.

Other meanings

  • rearrangeverb
  • adaptverb
  • surroundverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Umstellungchangeovernoun
  • umstellbaradaptableadjective

Word lists with this word