entsperren
unlock
The German word "entsperren" is a verb meaning "to unlock" or "to unjam". It is composed of:
- "Sperren" — meaning "to lock" or "to block"
The prefix "ent-" often indicates a reversal or removal of an action, so "entsperren" means to reverse locking, i.e., to unlock.
Similar words:
- "aufmachen" (to open)
- "freigeben" (to release/unlock)
- "öffnen" (to open)
Differences:
- "aufmachen" and "öffnen" generally mean opening something physical (door, window).
- "freigeben" can mean unlocking but is often used in contexts like software or permissions.
- "entsperren" specifically refers to unlocking something that was locked or blocked, often used for devices (phones) or mechanisms.
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Examples
Kannst du bitte das Handy entsperren?verb
Can you please unlock the phone?
Er hat das Konto wieder entsperrt, nachdem der Fehler behoben wurde.verb
He unlocked the account again after the error was fixed.
Ich konnte das Gerät erst entsperren, nachdem ich das richtige Passwort eingegeben hatte.verb
I could unlock the device only after I had entered the correct password.
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