01
blocken
to block
To create an obstacle in order to block a path, movement, or access.
example
Ein umgestürzter Baum blockt die gesamte Fahrbahn.
A fallen tree is blocking the entire roadway.
blocken
to block
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Origin of the word
'Blocken' (to block) is a loanword from English ('to block'). In German, it is conjugated like a regular weak verb: ich blocke, ich blockte, ich habe geblockt.
EXAMPLE
Er hat den Anruf einfach geblockt.
He simply blocked the call.
Context clue: the object matters
The exact meaning of 'blocken' (to block) often becomes clear from the object. If you block a road, you obstruct it. If you block a person, you block them digitally. If you block an appointment, you reserve it.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei blockte die Zufahrt zur Unfallstelle.
The police blocked the access road to the accident site.
Use in sports
In a sports context, 'blocken' (to block) always means to stop an opponent's attack. Typical collocations are 'einen Schuss blocken' (to block a shot), 'einen Ball blocken' (to block a ball), or 'einen Angriff blocken' (to block an attack).
EXAMPLE
Die Volleyballspielerin sprang hoch, um den Ball zu blocken.
The volleyball player jumped high to block the ball.
Digital communication
In the digital world, 'blocken' (to block) is the standard verb for preventing contact with a person on social media or messengers. The object here is always a person or a profile.
EXAMPLE
Wenn dich jemand belästigt, solltest du den Kontakt sofort blocken.
If someone is harassing you, you should block the contact immediately.
Use without an object
In the psychological meaning, 'blocken' (to shut down) can also be used without an object. It then means that a person closes themselves off internally from a discussion or a feeling.
EXAMPLE
Jedes Mal, wenn ich das Thema anspreche, blockt sie sofort ab.
Every time I bring up the topic, she immediately shuts down.
Time management
In the context of calendars and time planning, 'blocken' (to block off) means to reserve a period of time for a specific activity. It is often used reflexively: 'sich Zeit blocken' (to block off time for oneself).
EXAMPLE
Kannst du dir morgen eine Stunde für ein Gespräch mit mir blocken?
Can you block off an hour tomorrow for a conversation with me?
Compare with
blocken vs sperren
to block / to ban
'sperren' and 'blocken' can both express that access, a path, or contact is no longer possible. 'sperren' often sounds more official or technical: a road, a card, or an account is blocked or closed. 'blocken' is a bit more colloquial in many situations and is used especially on the internet, in sports, or for personal resistance. Learners may confuse the words because both describe a blockage. As a simple guide: with authorities, banks, and official bans, 'sperren' is usually more natural; with social media or when someone avoids a topic, 'blocken' often fits better.
blocken
Sie blockt den unbekannten Nutzer, weil er ihr ständig Nachrichten schreibt.
She blocks the unknown user because he keeps sending her messages.
sperren
Wegen des Unfalls sperrt die Polizei die Straße für zwei Stunden.
Because of the accident, the police are closing the road for two hours.
In real life
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