01
öffnen
to open
To make something that is closed (e.g., a door, a window, a bottle, a book) accessible or open it up.
example
Kannst du bitte das Fenster öffnen?
Can you please open the window?
öffnen
to open
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'öffnen' (to open) is the action that causes something to be 'offen' (open). It is derived directly from the adjective 'offen'.
EXAMPLE
Das Fenster ist offen, weil ich es gerade geöffnet habe.
The window is open because I just opened it.
Participle as adjective
The past participle 'geöffnet' (opened/open) is very often used like an adjective to describe a state. It answers the question 'How is something?'.
EXAMPLE
Die Geschäfte sind sonntags nicht geöffnet.
The shops are not open on Sundays.
Sentence structure
In this meaning, the subject is usually an institution (shop, museum, etc.), not a person. A time or date is often mentioned for when the opening takes place.
EXAMPLE
Die Bibliothek öffnet erst um 10 Uhr.
The library doesn’t open until 10 o’clock.
Reflexive use
When a person becomes more emotionally accessible, the reflexive verb 'sich öffnen' (to open up) is used. It is often followed by the preposition 'gegenüber' with a person in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Er braucht Zeit, um sich neuen Leuten gegenüber zu öffnen.
He needs time to open up to new people.
Typical collocations
In digital and administrative contexts, 'öffnen' (to open) is used for starting or setting up things. Typical objects are 'eine Datei' (a file), 'ein Dokument' (a document), 'eine E-Mail' (an email), or 'ein Konto' (an account).
EXAMPLE
Um Kunde zu werden, müssen Sie zuerst ein Konto bei uns öffnen.
To become a customer, you first have to open an account with us.
Compare with
öffnen vs abschließen
to lock / to complete
'abschließen' and 'öffnen' can be opposites when talking about doors, windows, or containers. 'abschließen' means to secure something with a key or bolt so that others cannot simply open it. 'öffnen' means to open something or make it accessible. So the difference is the direction of the action: with 'abschließen' you close off access; with 'öffnen' you make access available.
öffnen
Noah öffnet das Fenster, weil es im Zimmer zu warm ist.
Noah opens the window because the room is too warm.
abschließen
Ich habe die Haustür am Abend abgeschlossen.
I locked the front door in the evening.
In real life
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