In 15 Seconds
- Standard German phrase for shutting down a computer system.
- Uses a separable verb: 'herunter' moves to the end.
- Appropriate for both professional offices and casual home use.
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to say you are turning off your computer completely. It is like telling the machine to 'go to sleep' after a long day of work.
Key Examples
3 of 6Leaving the office for the day
Ich fahre nur noch schnell den Computer herunter.
I'm just quickly shutting down the computer.
Asking a roommate a question
Hast du deinen Computer schon heruntergefahren?
Have you already shut down your computer?
IT support giving instructions
Bitte fahren Sie den Computer herunter und warten Sie kurz.
Please shut down the computer and wait a moment.
Cultural Background
Germans are very conscious of 'Datenschutz' (data protection) and 'Energiesparen' (energy saving). Shutting down a computer completely is seen as a responsible act to protect data and save electricity. Swiss German speakers might use the term 'abefahre' (the Swiss version of 'herunterfahren'). The precision in following technical procedures is highly valued in Swiss work culture. In Austria, the term is identical to Germany, but the work culture might be slightly more relaxed. However, 'herunterfahren' remains the standard formal term in Viennese offices. Globally, IT professionals distinguish between a 'hard' shutdown (pulling the plug) and a 'soft' shutdown (herunterfahren). In Germany, this distinction is linguistically marked by the use of 'herunterfahren'.
Use 'runter' for speed
If you want to sound more like a native speaker in a casual setting, just say 'runterfahren' instead of 'herunterfahren'.
Don't forget to save!
Always say 'Speichern und herunterfahren' (Save and shut down) to be safe.
In 15 Seconds
- Standard German phrase for shutting down a computer system.
- Uses a separable verb: 'herunter' moves to the end.
- Appropriate for both professional offices and casual home use.
What It Means
Den Computer herunterfahren is the technical but common way to say 'shut down.' It implies a proper sequence of closing programs. You aren't just pulling the plug. You are letting the system finish its tasks. It is the digital equivalent of putting a car in the garage.
How To Use It
The verb herunterfahren is a separable verb. This is a classic German grammar quirk. In a simple sentence, the herunter part flies to the very end. For example, you say: Ich fahre den Computer herunter. If you use a helping verb like muss (must), it stays together: Ich muss den Computer herunterfahren. It sounds very natural in both office and home settings.
When To Use It
Use this when you are finished with your work day. It is perfect for the office when saying goodbye. You can also use it at home before going to bed. If you are talking to IT support, this is the term they expect. It shows you know how to handle technology properly. Use it whenever you mean a full power-off, not just a restart.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if you are just closing the laptop lid. That is usually Standby or Ruhezustand. Also, do not use it for light switches or TVs. For those, use ausschalten. If you just want to restart, use neu starten. Using herunterfahren for a lamp would sound like the lamp has an operating system. That would be a very smart, but very confused lamp!
Cultural Background
Germans value 'Feierabend,' the time after work. Shutting down the computer is a symbolic act. It marks the transition from 'work mode' to 'life mode.' In German offices, leaving your PC on overnight is often seen as wasteful. It is part of the culture of efficiency and environmental care. Even the language reflects a mechanical process, using the verb fahren (to drive). It feels like you are operating a piece of heavy machinery.
Common Variations
In casual speech, people often shorten it to runterfahren. It means the same thing but sounds a bit more relaxed. You might hear: Fahr mal die Kiste runter! (Shut down that 'box'!). You can also use it metaphorically for people. If someone is very stressed, you can tell them to herunterfahren. It means they should relax and lower their energy levels. Just don't tell your boss to 'herunterfahren' unless you are very close friends!
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and safe for all contexts. Remember that it is a separable verb, so the prefix 'herunter' will often appear at the end of your sentence.
Use 'runter' for speed
If you want to sound more like a native speaker in a casual setting, just say 'runterfahren' instead of 'herunterfahren'.
Don't forget to save!
Always say 'Speichern und herunterfahren' (Save and shut down) to be safe.
Separable Verb Rule
Remember: 'Ich fahre...herunter'. The prefix is like a caboose on a train; it always comes last in a simple sentence.
Examples
6Ich fahre nur noch schnell den Computer herunter.
I'm just quickly shutting down the computer.
A very common way to signal you are leaving soon.
Hast du deinen Computer schon heruntergefahren?
Have you already shut down your computer?
Uses the past participle 'heruntergefahren'.
Bitte fahren Sie den Computer herunter und warten Sie kurz.
Please shut down the computer and wait a moment.
Formal 'Sie' command used in a technical context.
PC ist runtergefahren, bin in 5 Minuten da!
PC is shut down, I'll be there in 5 minutes!
Uses the shortened 'runtergefahren' for a casual vibe.
Mein Gehirn fährt langsam herunter.
My brain is slowly shutting down.
Comparing one's own exhaustion to a computer process.
Endlich kann ich diesen Computer herunterfahren!
Finally, I can shut this computer down!
Expresses relief at the start of the weekend.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the separable verb 'herunterfahren' in the present tense.
Ich ______ den Computer jeden Abend ______.
In a main clause, the verb 'fahren' is conjugated and the prefix 'herunter' goes to the end.
Which sentence is grammatically correct in the Perfekt tense?
Choose the correct past tense sentence:
'Herunterfahren' uses 'haben' and the past participle is 'heruntergefahren'.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural phrase.
A: Kommst du mit zum Mittagessen? B: Ja, ich muss nur noch kurz ________________.
'Herunterfahren' is the most professional and precise term for finishing work on a PC.
Match the German phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are standard technical translations.
In which situation would you use 'herunterfahren' metaphorically?
Select the metaphorical context:
Metaphorically, 'herunterfahren' means to scale down or reduce operations.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
5 exercisesIch ______ den Computer jeden Abend ______.
In a main clause, the verb 'fahren' is conjugated and the prefix 'herunter' goes to the end.
Choose the correct past tense sentence:
'Herunterfahren' uses 'haben' and the past participle is 'heruntergefahren'.
A: Kommst du mit zum Mittagessen? B: Ja, ich muss nur noch kurz ________________.
'Herunterfahren' is the most professional and precise term for finishing work on a PC.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are standard technical translations.
Select the metaphorical context:
Metaphorically, 'herunterfahren' means to scale down or reduce operations.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsMostly, yes. It's used for computers, servers, and complex systems. For a TV or a toaster, use 'ausschalten'.
'Herunterfahren' is the software process. 'Ausschalten' is the general act of turning something off.
Yes, metaphorically! It means to relax or calm down after a stressful day.
It is 'den Computer' (accusative) because the computer is the direct object of the action.
You say 'neustarten' or 'herunterfahren und neu starten'.
It's not slang, just informal/colloquial. It's perfectly fine in most daily conversations.
The opposite is 'hochfahren' (to boot up).
Yes, you can use it for tablets and smartphones, though 'ausschalten' is more common for those.
That is not 'herunterfahren'. That is 'den Stecker ziehen' (pulling the plug).
Yes, it follows the conjugation of 'fahren' (fährt, fuhr, ist/hat gefahren).
Related Phrases
den {der|m} Computer neustarten
similarTo restart the computer.
den {der|m} Computer ausschalten
synonymTo turn off the computer.
den {der|m} Computer hochfahren
contrastTo boot up the computer.
das {das|n} System beenden
formalTo terminate the system.
in den {der|m} Ruhezustand versetzen
specialized formTo put into hibernation.
