01
abschließen
to lock
To secure a door, window, or container with a key or bolt so that it cannot be opened.
example
Hast du daran gedacht, die Haustür abzuschließen?
Did you remember to lock the front door?
abschließen
to lock / to complete
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Abschließen' (to lock / to complete) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'ab' goes at the end. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Bitte schließ die Tür ab, wenn du gehst.
Please lock the door when you leave.
Meaning of the prefix
The prefix 'ab-' often expresses completion or an end. This helps you understand the figurative meaning: you bring a course of study to an end or emotionally move on from something.
EXAMPLE
Er hat sein Projekt letzte Woche erfolgreich abgeschlossen.
He successfully completed his project last week.
Context clues
The object of the verb reveals the meaning. A physical object like 'die Tür' (the door) means 'to lock'. An abstract goal like 'das Studium' (the course of study) means 'to complete'. A document like 'ein Vertrag' (a contract) means 'to enter into a contract'.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss noch schnell das Fahrrad abschließen.
I still need to quickly lock up the bike.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'to successfully complete', 'abschließen' (to complete) is often combined with goals from education and work. Typical phrases are: 'ein Studium abschließen' (to complete a degree/course of study), 'eine Ausbildung abschließen' (to complete vocational training), or 'ein Projekt abschließen' (to complete a project).
EXAMPLE
Nach drei Jahren hat sie ihre Lehre als Tischlerin abgeschlossen.
After three years, she completed her apprenticeship as a carpenter.
Typical collocations
When it comes to formal agreements, 'abschließen' (to take out / enter into) is used frequently. You can say 'einen Vertrag abschließen' (to enter into a contract), 'eine Versicherung abschließen' (to take out insurance), 'ein Abonnement abschließen' (to take out a subscription), or 'eine Wette abschließen' (to make a bet).
EXAMPLE
Für die neue Wohnung mussten wir einen Mietvertrag abschließen.
For the new apartment, we had to sign a rental contract.
Fixed preposition
To express that you have processed an emotional issue, you use the fixed expression 'mit etwas abschließen' (to move on from something). The preposition 'mit' always requires the dative.
EXAMPLE
Er versucht, mit seiner Vergangenheit abzuschließen.
He is trying to move on from his past.
Compare with
abschließen vs beginnen
to begin
'beginnen' and 'abschließen' are opposites when talking about activities or projects. With 'beginnen', you mean the beginning: you start a task, a project, or a course of training. With 'abschließen', you mean the end, often a successful or official ending. Learners may confuse the words because both can occur with the same topics, for example a course or project. The important point is: 'beginnen' looks at the start, while 'abschließen' looks at the completed finish.
abschließen
Nach drei Jahren schließt Mehmet seine Ausbildung ab.
After three years, Mehmet completes his training program.
beginnen
Am Montag beginnt sie ihre neue Ausbildung.
On Monday, she begins her new training program.
In real life
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