die Öffnung
opening
A hole, gap, or opening in an otherwise closed surface that allows passage through or a view in.
EXAMPLE
Die Katze schlüpfte durch eine kleine Öffnung im Zaun.
The cat slipped through a small opening in the fence.
die Öffnung
opening
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Meanings
die Öffnung
opening
The act of opening something or of being opened.
EXAMPLE
Die feierliche Öffnung des neuen Museums zieht viele Besucher an.
The ceremonial opening of the new museum is attracting many visitors.
die Öffnung
opening time
The time at which a shop, office, or institution becomes accessible to the public or customers. Often used in the plural as opening hours.
EXAMPLE
Die Öffnung der Geschäfte erfolgt in der Regel um 9 Uhr.
The opening of the shops usually takes place at 9 a.m.
die Öffnung
opening / liberalization
A process of liberalization or making something accessible, especially in a political or economic context.
EXAMPLE
Die wirtschaftliche Öffnung des Landes hat zu neuen Handelsbeziehungen geführt.
The economic opening of the country has led to new trade relationships.
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'die Öffnung' (opening) is directly derived from the verb 'öffnen' (to open). The ending '-ung' turns a verb into a feminine noun that describes the action or the result of that action.
EXAMPLE
Das Öffnen der alten Truhe war sehr schwierig.
Opening the old chest was very difficult.
Typical collocations
When a physical gap is meant, 'Öffnung' (opening) is often described with adjectives such as 'klein' (small), 'groß' (large), or 'schmal' (narrow). Verbs of passage such as 'kriechen' (to crawl), 'schauen' (to look), or 'passen' (to fit) are also typical.
EXAMPLE
Wir fanden eine schmale Öffnung in der Felswand.
We found a narrow opening in the rock face.
Context clue
The act of opening is often connected to words that describe an event. Watch for terms like 'feierlich' (ceremonial), 'offiziell' (official), 'während' (during), or 'nach der Öffnung' (after the opening) to recognize this meaning.
EXAMPLE
Die offizielle Öffnung der Brücke wird vom Bürgermeister vorgenommen.
The official opening of the bridge will be carried out by the mayor.
Fixed combination
In connection with the times when a shop or institution is accessible, the compound word 'die Öffnungszeiten' (opening hours) is almost always used in the plural.
EXAMPLE
Können Sie mir bitte die Öffnungszeiten des Schwimmbads sagen?
Could you please tell me the opening hours of the swimming pool?
Register and style
The meaning 'Liberalisierung' (liberalization/opening) is used almost exclusively in political or economic texts. Signal words here are 'wirtschaftlich' (economic), 'politisch' (political), or 'des Marktes' (of the market).
EXAMPLE
Die politische Öffnung des Landes führte zu mehr Demokratie.
The political opening of the country led to more democracy.
Compare with
Öffnung vs Loch
hole
Loch and Öffnung can both refer to a passage through a surface. Loch emphasizes the missing material and often sounds unplanned, while Öffnung places more emphasis on the possible passage or view through it. Use Loch for the defect and Öffnung for its function.
Öffnung
Durch die Öffnung in der Wand konnten die Arbeiter das Kabel ziehen.
The workers were able to pull the cable through the opening in the wall.
Loch
Durch das Loch in der Wand fiel kalte Luft ins Zimmer.
Cold air came into the room through the hole in the wall.
In real life
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