01
die Tür
door
A movable structural element that closes an opening in a wall, piece of furniture, or vehicle and allows passage through it.
example
Könntest du bitte die Tür hinter dir schließen?
Could you please close the door behind you?
die Tür
door
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Prepositions and cases
The prepositions used with 'Tür' (door) depend on the situation. A position is expressed with the dative case, e.g. 'an der Tür' (at the door), while movement in a direction is expressed with the accusative case, e.g. 'an die Tür' (onto/to the door).
EXAMPLE
Der Postbote steht an der Tür.
The mail carrier is standing at the door.
Typical verbs
Certain verbs are often used in connection with a physical door. The most common are 'die Tür öffnen/aufmachen' (to open the door) and 'die Tür schließen/zumachen' (to close the door), as well as 'an die Tür klopfen' (to knock on the door).
EXAMPLE
Es zieht, könntest du bitte die Tür zumachen?
There's a draft; could you please close the door?
Fixed expression
The expression 'vor der Tür stehen' (to be just around the corner) is used for events that will happen very soon. The subject of the sentence is always the upcoming event itself.
EXAMPLE
Die Sommerferien stehen schon bald vor der Tür.
Summer vacation will soon be just around the corner.
Figurative use
In the figurative sense of 'Chance' (opportunity) or 'Möglichkeit' (possibility), 'Tür' (door) is often combined with the verb 'öffnen' (to open). The phrase 'jemandem Türen öffnen' means to open up new opportunities for someone.
EXAMPLE
Diese Ausbildung kann dir beruflich viele Türen öffnen.
This training can open many professional doors for you.
Compare with
Tür vs Möglichkeit
possibility
'Möglichkeit' and 'Tür' can both have to do with access to something new in a figurative sense. 'Möglichkeit' is the direct and neutral word for an option or opportunity. 'Tür' is used figuratively when something opens access to an opportunity, for example training, a contact, or a success. 'Tür' sounds more vivid and often a bit more figurative. In everyday language, people are more likely to say 'eine Möglichkeit haben' (to have an opportunity), but 'eine Tür öffnet sich' (a door opens) fits well when something creates new paths.
Tür
Der Sprachkurs öffnete ihr die Tür zu einer neuen Arbeit.
The language course opened the door to a new job for her.
Möglichkeit
Nach dem Gespräch hat Ali die Möglichkeit, ein Praktikum zu machen.
After the conversation, Ali has the opportunity to do an internship.
In real life
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