01
verschlossen
locked
Secured by a lock or bolt so that it cannot be opened; locked shut.
example
Die Tür zum Archiv war fest verschlossen.
The door to the archive was firmly locked.
verschlossen
locked / reserved
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
'Verschlossen' is the past participle of the verb 'verschließen' (to lock, to bolt). Here it is used as an adjective to describe a state.
EXAMPLE
Der Briefumschlag war bereits fest verschlossen.
The envelope was already firmly sealed.
Context clue
The meaning is easy to recognize from the subject. If 'verschlossen' refers to an object (door, box, bottle), it means 'zugesperrt' (locked). If it refers to a person, it means 'introvertiert' (introverted) or 'zurückhaltend' (reserved).
EXAMPLE
Die Schatzkiste war seit Jahrhunderten verschlossen.
The treasure chest had been locked for centuries.
Figurative meaning
The meaning 'introvertiert' (introverted) is a metaphor. A reserved person is like a locked door: they do not let anyone in to see their thoughts or feelings.
EXAMPLE
Er wirkt oft verschlossen, aber eigentlich ist er nur schüchtern.
He often seems reserved, but actually he is just shy.
Compare with
verschlossen vs offen
open
'offen' and 'verschlossen' are opposites in important meanings. With doors, windows, or containers, 'offen' means that they are not closed; 'verschlossen' means that they are locked or secured. With people, 'offen' means that someone speaks honestly and directly. 'verschlossen', on the other hand, describes someone who says little about their thoughts or feelings. The words can be confusing because both can be used for things as well as for people. So pay attention to whether it is about an object or about a person's behavior.
verschlossen
Nach dem Streit war Tom sehr verschlossen und sprach kaum noch.
After the argument, Tom was very reserved and hardly spoke anymore.
offen
Beim Lüften bleibt das Fenster zehn Minuten offen.
When airing the room, the window stays open for ten minutes.
In real life
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