01
verschließen
to lock
To close something so that it cannot be opened easily, for example with a lock or a lid.
example
Vergiss nicht, die Haustür zu verschließen, wenn du gehst.
Don't forget to lock the front door when you leave.
verschließen
to lock / seal
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Verschließen' (to lock/seal) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'ver-' strengthens the base verb 'schließen' (to close) and means to close something securely, firmly, or finally.
EXAMPLE
Er verschloss den Briefumschlag sorgfältig.
He carefully sealed the envelope.
Participle as adjective
The past participle 'verschlossen' (locked/closed off) is very often used as an adjective. It can describe both a locked door (physical) and a reserved person (emotionally inaccessible).
EXAMPLE
Wir standen vor einer verschlossenen Tür.
We stood in front of a locked door.
Reflexive use
To express emotional inaccessibility, the verb is used reflexively: 'sich verschließen' (to close oneself off). It is often followed by a dative object that indicates to whom or what someone is closing themselves off.
EXAMPLE
Er verschließt sich oft den Ratschlägen seiner Freunde.
He often closes himself off to his friends' advice.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'versiegeln' (to seal), 'verschließen' is often combined with an adverb that describes the type of closure. Common combinations are 'luftdicht verschließen' (to seal airtight) or 'wasserdicht verschließen' (to seal watertight).
EXAMPLE
Die Lebensmittel müssen luftdicht verschlossen werden, damit sie frisch bleiben.
The food must be sealed airtight so that it stays fresh.
Compare with
verschließen vs abschließen
to lock / to complete
'abschließen' and 'verschließen' can both mean that something can no longer be opened easily. 'abschließen' is used especially when a key, lock, or bolt is important, for example with a door. 'verschließen' is more general: you can close up a bottle, a bag, or a container, even without a key. It can also mean that something is well sealed. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with 'closing and securing'. As a simple guide: with a key, use 'abschließen' more often; with a lid, closure, or seal, use 'verschließen' more often.
verschließen
Nach dem Picknick verschließt Lena die Flasche fest, damit nichts ausläuft.
After the picnic, Lena closes the bottle tightly so that nothing leaks out.
abschließen
Bitte schließ die Wohnungstür ab, bevor du gehst.
Please lock the apartment door before you leave.
In real life
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