das Schloss
castle
A large, impressive building that formerly served as a residence for nobles or rulers.
EXAMPLE
Im Urlaub haben wir das Schloss Versailles in Frankreich besichtigt.
On vacation, we visited the Palace of Versailles in France.
das Schloss
castle / lock
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Meanings
das Schloss
lock
A mechanism for locking doors, containers, or devices, usually operated with a key.
EXAMPLE
Der Schlüssel steckt im Schloss, deshalb kann ich von außen nicht aufschließen.
The key is in the lock, so I can't unlock it from the outside.
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'das Schloss' (the castle/lock) is closely related to the verb 'schließen' (to close/lock). A 'Schloss' is therefore either a device you can use to close or lock something, or a large, enclosed building.
EXAMPLE
Bitte schließe die Tür ab, das Schloss ist neu.
Please lock the door; the lock is new.
Context clue
The context tells you whether a building or a mechanism is meant. Words like 'König' (king), 'besichtigen' (to visit/tour), or 'Garten' (garden) point to the building. Words like 'Schlüssel' (key), 'Tür' (door), or 'Fahrrad' (bicycle) refer to the locking mechanism.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben das alte Schloss mit seinen prächtigen Gärten besichtigt.
We visited the old castle with its magnificent gardens.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'Schließmechanismus' (locking mechanism), 'Schloss' (lock) is often combined with the word 'Schlüssel' (key). Fixed expressions are 'Schlüssel und Schloss' (key and lock) or 'der Schlüssel passt ins Schloss' (the key fits in the lock).
EXAMPLE
Der Schlüsseldienst musste das Schloss austauschen.
The locksmith had to replace the lock.
Compare with
Schloss vs Burg
castle
Schloss and Burg can both refer to historic residences of nobles. However, a Burg is a fortified structure that also served for defense, while a Schloss is primarily a large, representative residence. For historic sites, the traditional name is decisive.
Schloss
Der Fürst empfing seine Gäste in einem repräsentativen Schloss.
The prince received his guests in a grand castle.
Burg
Der Ritter lebte in einer befestigten Burg und verteidigte sie gegen Angriffe.
The knight lived in a fortified castle and defended it against attacks.
In real life
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