01
sperren
to block
To block a path, road, or access point so that people can no longer pass through.
example
Wegen des Marathons wird die Innenstadt für den Verkehr gesperrt.
Because of the marathon, the city center will be closed to traffic.
sperren
to block / to ban
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Meanings
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Usage tips
What is being blocked?
The meaning of 'sperren' (to block / to ban) depends strongly on the object. You can block physical routes (a road), digital access (a card), or also suspend people (a player).
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei sperrt die Unfallstelle für den Verkehr.
The police are closing the accident site to traffic.
Often in the passive
In the meanings 'to block' and 'to forbid', 'sperren' (to block / to ban) is very often used in the passive. This emphasizes what is being blocked or closed, not who is blocking it.
EXAMPLE
Die Brücke ist wegen Bauarbeiten gesperrt.
The bridge is closed because of construction work.
Blocking access
This meaning is very common in the context of finance and technology. You typically block a 'Bankkarte' (bank card), a 'Handy' (mobile phone), or an 'Online-Konto' (online account) in order to prevent misuse.
EXAMPLE
Wenn du dein Handy verlierst, solltest du sofort die SIM-Karte sperren lassen.
If you lose your phone, you should have the SIM card blocked immediately.
Suspending people
When a person is 'gesperrt' (suspended/banned), it is often a punishment, especially in sports or on online platforms. The length of the suspension is often given with the preposition 'für' (for).
EXAMPLE
Der Torwart wurde nach der roten Karte für das nächste Spiel gesperrt.
The goalkeeper was suspended for the next game after the red card.
Reflexive with 'gegen'
In the reflexive form 'sich sperren' (to resist), the verb takes the preposition 'gegen' followed by the accusative. It expresses strong resistance or refusal.
EXAMPLE
Sie sperrte sich lange gegen die neuen Arbeitszeiten.
She resisted the new working hours for a long time.
Fixed expression with 'auf'
In the fixed expression 'die Augen/den Mund aufsperren' (to open one's eyes/mouth wide), the separable prefix 'auf-' is added. This means to open them wide, often out of surprise or amazement.
EXAMPLE
Als er das riesige Geschenk sah, sperrte er die Augen weit auf.
When he saw the huge present, he opened his eyes wide.
Compare with
sperren vs abschließen
to lock / to complete
'abschließen' and 'sperren' can both mean that something is no longer accessible. 'abschließen' is used especially for doors, windows, or cabinets when you secure them with a key or bolt. 'sperren' is broader: you can block a road, block a bank card, or ban a person from a competition. Learners may confuse the words because both prevent access. The simple difference is: 'abschließen' is more likely to fit a lock and a specific room or object; 'sperren' is more likely to fit routes, access points, accounts, or bans.
sperren
Die Polizei sperrt die Straße, damit niemand zur Unfallstelle fährt.
The police block the road so that no one drives to the accident site.
abschließen
Nach dem Training schließt der Hausmeister die Sporthalle ab.
After training, the caretaker locks the sports hall.
In real life
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