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offen
open
Not closed, locked, or covered.
example
Kannst du bitte das offene Fenster schließen? Es zieht.
Can you please close the open window? There's a draft.
offen
open
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'offen' (open) belongs to the word family of the verb 'öffnen' (to open). This connection helps you understand the basic meaning 'not closed', which is still recognizable in many figurative meanings.
EXAMPLE
Könntest du bitte die Flasche für mich öffnen?
Could you please open the bottle for me?
Typical collocations
In its literal meaning, 'offen' (open) is often combined with things that can be physically closed: ein offenes Fenster (an open window), eine offene Tür (an open door), ein offener Briefumschlag (an open envelope), or ein offenes Buch (an open book).
EXAMPLE
Er saß mit offenem Mund da und staunte.
He sat there with his mouth open, amazed.
Typical collocations
When it is about honesty, 'offen' (open) is often connected with words of communication. Typical phrases are 'ein offenes Gespräch' (an open conversation), 'offene Worte' (open words/frank words), or the fixed combination 'offen und ehrlich' (open and honest).
EXAMPLE
Ich schätze an ihr, dass sie immer offen und ehrlich ihre Meinung sagt.
What I appreciate about her is that she always says her opinion openly and honestly.
Typical collocations
To express that something has not yet been decided, 'offen' (open) is often used with abstract nouns. Common combinations are 'eine offene Frage' (an open question), 'ein offener Punkt' (an open point/unresolved issue), or 'ein offenes Ergebnis' (an open result).
EXAMPLE
Es ist noch eine offene Frage, ob wir die Reise wirklich machen können.
It is still an open question whether we can really take the trip.
Fixed preposition
When 'offen' means open-mindedness or receptiveness, it is almost always used with the preposition 'für' and the accusative. The structure is: 'offen für etwas sein' (to be open to something).
EXAMPLE
Ich bin immer offen für neue Ideen und Vorschläge.
I am always open to new ideas and suggestions.
Context: work
The meaning 'unfilled' is typical in the context of the workplace. People speak of an 'offene Stelle' (open position) or an 'offene Position' (open position) when a company is looking for new employees.
EXAMPLE
Unsere Firma hat zurzeit zwei offene Stellen in der IT-Abteilung.
Our company currently has two open positions in the IT department.
Context: finance
In the meaning 'unpaid', 'offen' (outstanding/unpaid) is used almost exclusively in connection with finances and debts. Typical collocations are 'eine offene Rechnung' (an outstanding invoice) or 'offene Forderungen' (outstanding claims/receivables).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe noch eine offene Rechnung vom Handwerker zu bezahlen.
I still have an outstanding invoice from the handyman to pay.
Compare with
offen vs zu
to / too / closed
'zu' and 'offen' can be opposites when talking about doors, windows, shops, or similar things. Here, 'zu' means 'closed' and is often used in a short, everyday way. 'offen' means that something is not closed or is accessible. Important: in this meaning, 'zu' is an adverb, while 'offen' is an adjective. In everyday sentences, you might say 'Die Tür ist zu' (the door is closed) or 'Die Tür ist offen' (the door is open).
offen
Die Bäckerei ist sonntags bis zwölf Uhr offen.
The bakery is open until twelve on Sundays.
zu
Das Fenster ist zu, weil es draußen kalt ist.
The window is closed because it is cold outside.
In real life
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