zutun
to close
To close something, for example a door, a window, or your eyes. It is a synonym of 'zumachen' (to close).
EXAMPLE
Tu bitte die Tür zu, es ist kalt draußen.
Please close the door; it's cold outside.
zutun
to close / add
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Meanings
zutun
to add
To add something to a mixture or a dish. A synonym of 'hinzugeben' (to add).
EXAMPLE
Wenn die Suppe kocht, musst du noch die Kräuter zutun.
When the soup is boiling, you still need to add the herbs.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Zutun' (to close / add) is a separable verb with the prefix 'zu'. In a main clause, 'zu' comes at the end. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive, the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du bitte das Fenster zutun?
Can you please close the window?
Context clues
You can recognize the meaning from the object: If it is about things that can be opened and closed, e.g. 'Tür' (door), 'Fenster' (window), or 'Augen' (eyes), 'zutun' means to close. In the context of cooking or mixing, it means 'hinzufügen' (to add).
EXAMPLE
Er tat die Augen zu und schlief sofort ein.
He closed his eyes and fell asleep immediately.
Fixed expression
A very common fixed expression is 'kein Auge zutun'. It means that someone cannot sleep at all the whole night.
EXAMPLE
Wegen des Lärms konnte ich die ganze Nacht kein Auge zutun.
Because of the noise, I couldn't get a wink of sleep all night.
Register: colloquial
In the meaning 'schließen' (to close), 'zutun' is used mainly in spoken, informal language. It often sounds more personal or everyday.
EXAMPLE
Tu mal schnell die Jacke zu, es wird kühl.
Quick, zip up your jacket; it's getting chilly.
Compare with
zutun vs schließen
to close
Schließen and zutun can both mean that a door, window, or book is no longer open. Schließen is neutral and also appropriate in formal situations, whereas zutun sounds colloquial and is mainly used in everyday speech.
zutun
Mach bitte das Fenster zu, bevor es im Zimmer kalt wird.
Please close the window before the room gets cold.
schließen
Bitte schließen Sie das Fenster, bevor die Sitzung beginnt.
Please close the window before the meeting begins.
In real life
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