VocabuoDictionaryGet the app
other

Schließen

closing

Definition & meaning

The verb schließen has several distinct meanings in German depending on the context:

  1. To close or shut: This is the most common use, referring to moving a door, window, or lid so that an opening is covered. For example, "die Tür schließen" means to close the door.
  2. To lock: It can mean to fasten something with a key or a bolt, although the prefixed version abschließen is often preferred for this specific action.
  3. To conclude or finish: It is used to indicate the end of an event, a speech, or a period of time.
  4. To infer or deduce: In a logical context, it means to reach a conclusion based on evidence. This is often used with the preposition "aus" , as in "aus etwas schließen" (to conclude from something).
  5. To enter into or contract: It is used for formal agreements, such as "einen Vertrag schließen" (to sign/enter a contract), "Freundschaft schließen" (to make friends), or "die Ehe schließen" (to marry).

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar:

  • Verb type: It is a strong (irregular) verb.
  • Principal parts: schließen (present), schloss (past tense), hat geschlossen (perfect tense).
  • Related nouns: Der Schluss (the end/conclusion) and das Schloss (the lock or the castle).

Word origin: The word originates from the Old High German "sliozan" and Middle High German "sliezen". It is etymologically related to the English words "slot" and "shut." Historically, the root refers to the act of bolting or barring a door.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • zumachen : A more informal/colloquial way to say "to close."
  • beenden : To end or terminate something.
  • abschließen : Specifically used for locking with a key or finalizing a process.
  • folgern : To deduce or conclude logically.
  • verriegeln : To bolt or bar a door.

Antonyms:

  • öffnen : The standard term for "to open."
  • aufmachen : The informal/colloquial term for "to open."
  • beginnen : To start or begin.
  • eröffnen : To open a ceremony, a bank account, or a business for the first time.

Make “Schließen” part of your vocabulary.

Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.

Get Vocabuo on the App StoreGet Vocabuo for Android

Examples

Das Schließen der Tür war leise.noun

The closing of the door was quiet.

Keep exploring German

Learn words from the content you love.

Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).

Download on theApp StoreGET IT ONGoogle Play