01
geschlossen
closed
Not open; the opposite of open. Refers to doors, windows, shops, or institutions.
example
Das Museum ist montags immer geschlossen.
The museum is always closed on Mondays.
geschlossen
closed
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Origin of the word
'Geschlossen' is the past participle of the verb 'schließen' (to close). This origin explains the basic meaning 'not open' and helps you understand the figurative meanings such as 'unified' or 'complete in itself'.
EXAMPLE
Bitte halten Sie die Tür stets geschlossen.
Please keep the door closed at all times.
Typical collocations
In its most common meaning, 'geschlossen' is used for places such as shops, banks, public offices, or museums. The reason is often given with 'wegen' (because of), e.g. 'wegen Feiertag geschlossen' (closed because of a public holiday).
EXAMPLE
Die Bibliothek bleibt wegen Renovierungsarbeiten nächste Woche geschlossen.
The library will remain closed next week due to renovation work.
Context clue: groups
When 'geschlossen' is used in connection with a group of people such as a team, a party, or a sports team, it means 'unified' or 'unanimous'.
EXAMPLE
Die Mannschaft zeigte eine geschlossene Leistung und gewann das Spiel.
The team showed a united performance and won the game.
Context clue: surfaces
In connection with surfaces such as 'Schneedecke' (blanket of snow), 'Wolkendecke' (cloud cover), or 'Eisdecke' (ice cover), 'geschlossen' means something like 'continuous' or 'unbroken'.
EXAMPLE
Wegen der geschlossenen Wolkendecke war die Sonne den ganzen Tag nicht zu sehen.
Because of the continuous cloud cover, the sun was not visible all day.
Fixed expression
The expression 'geschlossene Gesellschaft' (private event) is a fixed expression. It refers to a private event that is not open to the public and is often seen on signs outside restaurants.
EXAMPLE
Die Feier findet als geschlossene Gesellschaft statt, nur geladene Gäste haben Zutritt.
The celebration is being held as a private event; only invited guests have access.
Abstract meaning
In an abstract, intellectual sense, 'geschlossen' describes something that is logical and complete. It is often combined with 'in sich': 'ein in sich geschlossenes System' (a self-contained system) or 'eine in sich geschlossene Argumentation' (a self-contained argument).
EXAMPLE
Der Philosoph entwickelte ein in sich geschlossenes Gedankensystem.
The philosopher developed a self-contained system of thought.
Compare with
geschlossen vs zu
to / too / closed
'zu' and 'geschlossen' can both mean that something is not open. 'zu' is short and very common in everyday language, especially for doors, windows, bags, or eyes. 'geschlossen' is more precise and a bit more neutral; it is also often used for shops, offices, or institutions. In many simple situations, both work similarly: 'Die Tür ist zu' (the door is closed), 'die Tür ist geschlossen' (the door is closed). But 'geschlossen' sounds more complete, especially when you want to say officially that something is not open.
geschlossen
Die Apotheke ist am Sonntag geschlossen.
The pharmacy is closed on Sundays.
zu
Ist das Fenster im Bad schon zu?
Is the bathroom window already closed?
In real life
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