German Phrase
Das hilft mir, abzuschalten.
Meaning
Literally, “That helps me to switch off.” In everyday speech it means “That helps me relax / unwind.” The phrase is used when something (a hobby, a routine, a piece of music, etc.) makes it easier to forget stress and clear the mind.
When to use
Use this sentence when you want to explain why a particular activity, habit, or tool is useful for your mental break – after a long workday, before bedtime, or whenever you need to recharge.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Dashilftmir,abzuschalten.
helfen + dative
The verb *helfen* always takes a dative object; here *mir* is the dative pronoun meaning “to me”.
zu‑Infinitiv
After verbs like *helfen* you can add an infinitive clause with *zu* (e.g., *zu entspannen*). The *zu* is omitted with separable verbs like *abzuschalten*.
Separable verb prefix
In the infinitive *abzuschalten* the prefix *ab-* is attached to *schalten*; in finite forms it would split (e.g., *schaltet … ab*).
Comma before infinitive clause
German punctuation requires a comma before an infinitive clause that is introduced by *zu* or a verb like *helfen*.
🗨In Conversation
Wie entspannst du dich nach der Arbeit?
How do you relax after work?
Ich höre gern Jazz. Das hilft mir, abzuschalten.
I like listening to jazz. That helps me unwind.
✕Common Mistakes
Mir hilft das, abzuschalten.
The word order is possible but less natural; native speakers usually say *Das hilft mir*.
Das hilft mir, zu abschalten.
With separable verbs the *zu* is attached to the infinitive as a single word (*abzuschalten*).
Das hilft mir abzuschalten.
A comma is required before the infinitive clause.
Es hilft mir abzuschalten.
You need a comma after *mir*; otherwise the sentence is punctuated incorrectly.
↔Alternatives
Das hilft mir, mich zu entspannen.
That helps me to relax.
Das lässt mich abschalten.
That lets me switch off.
Das hilft mir, den Kopf freizubekommen.
That helps me clear my head.
Cultural Tip
In German, *abzuschalten* is often used figuratively for mental relaxation, but it can also refer to literally turning off a device. Make sure the surrounding context makes it clear you’re talking about unwinding, not about switching off a TV or a computer. The dative construction with *helfen* is very common in everyday conversation, so mastering it will make you sound natural.