01
schließen
to close
To shut an opening such as a door, window, or book so that passage is no longer possible.
example
Könntest du bitte das Fenster schließen? Es zieht.
Could you please close the window? There's a draft.
schließen
to close
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Meanings
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Usage tips
'geschlossen' as a state
The past participle 'geschlossen' (closed) is often used like an adjective to describe that something is shut. It describes the result of the action 'schließen' (to close).
EXAMPLE
Alle Fenster sind geschlossen.
All windows are closed.
Context clue
'Eine Tür schließen' (to close a door) is an everyday, reversible action. 'Ein Geschäft schließen' (to close a business), on the other hand, often means the permanent end of operations. The object of the sentence (door vs. business) reveals the meaning.
EXAMPLE
Bitte schließ die Tür, es ist kalt.
Please close the door; it's cold.
Formal context
In the meaning of 'beenden' (to end), 'schließen' (to close) is used mainly for formal occasions such as a meeting, debate, or event.
EXAMPLE
Der Redner schloss seinen Vortrag mit einem Zitat.
The speaker closed his talk with a quote.
Drawing conclusions with 'aus'
When 'schließen' means 'folgern' (to conclude), it is always used with the preposition 'aus' + dative. The structure is: Aus [information] schließt man [conclusion].
EXAMPLE
Aus seiner Reaktion schließe ich, dass er überrascht war.
From his reaction, I conclude that he was surprised.
Fixed combinations
In the meaning of 'eine Vereinbarung treffen' (to make an agreement), 'schließen' is used in fixed combinations. Typical ones are: 'einen Vertrag schließen' (to conclude a contract), 'einen Kompromiss schließen' (to reach a compromise), 'Frieden schließen' (to make peace), or 'eine Ehe schließen' (to enter into a marriage).
EXAMPLE
Die beiden Parteien haben einen Kompromiss geschlossen.
The two parties reached a compromise.
Reflexive 'sich schließen'
The reflexive form 'sich schließen' (to close by itself) describes a process that happens without direct human action. It is often used for automatic or natural processes.
EXAMPLE
Die Blüte schließt sich in der Nacht.
The flower closes at night.
Fixed expression
The expression 'jemanden in die Arme schließen' means 'to embrace someone'. The person being embraced is in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Reise schloss die Mutter ihr Kind fest in die Arme.
After the long journey, the mother held her child tightly in her arms.
Compare with
schließen vs denken
to think
'denken' and 'schließen' can both refer to a conclusion. With 'sich etwas denken', you arrive at an assumption or explanation in your mind, often in a more personal and less formal way. 'aus etwas schließen' means that you logically derive a result from information or signs. The words can be confused because both show that you come to a result. 'schließen' is more precise when there is a reason or proof as the starting point. 'denken' remains more general and subjective.
schließen
Aus der kurzen Antwort schließt er, dass sie keine Zeit hat.
From the short reply, he concludes that she has no time.
denken
Daniel sieht die leeren Teller und denkt sich, dass das Essen gut war.
Daniel sees the empty plates and figures that the food was good.
In real life
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