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A2 verb #10,000 am häufigsten 10 Min. Lesezeit

Verrouiller

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Erklärung Verrouiller in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn basic verbs for daily life. While 'verrouiller' might be a bit advanced, you will encounter its simple form when talking about your house or your phone. You should focus on the idea that 'verrouiller' is like 'to lock'. At this stage, you might mostly use 'fermer la porte' (close the door), but learning 'verrouiller' helps you understand when someone tells you to secure something. Imagine you are at a hotel and the receptionist says 'Verrouillez la porte'. They want you to use the lock. You can also think of your phone. When you press the button to turn off the screen, you are 'verrouiller' the phone. It is a regular '-er' verb, so it follows the same rules as 'parler' or 'habiter'. J'ai verrouillé, tu as verrouillé. It's a useful word to know for basic safety and using technology in French.

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At the A2 level, you can describe your daily routine and the objects you use. This is the perfect time to master 'verrouiller'. You use it when talking about your 'smartphone' or your computer. For example, 'Je verrouille mon téléphone avant de le mettre dans ma poche' (I lock my phone before putting it in my pocket). You also learn the difference between 'fermer' (to close) and 'verrouiller' (to lock). This distinction is important for describing household tasks. You might also start to see the noun form 'le verrouillage' in menus on your computer. At this level, you should be able to use it in the present tense and the passé composé to tell someone that you have secured a door or a window. It's also common in car-related vocabulary, like 'verrouillage centralisé' (central locking).

At the B1 level, you are becoming more independent and can handle more complex situations. You will use 'verrouiller' to talk about security, privacy, and technical processes. You might use it in a professional context, such as 'Il faut verrouiller les fichiers confidentiels' (We must lock/secure the confidential files). You also start to use the reflexive form 'se verrouiller' to describe automatic actions: 'La porte se verrouille automatiquement après trente secondes'. This level requires you to understand the nuance of 'verrouiller' as a way to finalize or 'lock down' a situation. You might hear it in news reports about security measures in a city. You can also use it to discuss safety habits with friends, explaining why it's important to lock up your bike (though 'cadenasser' is also used for bikes).

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At the B2 level, you use 'verrouiller' in more abstract and figurative ways. You might discuss political or economic strategies where a leader 'verrouille le débat' (locks down the debate) to prevent opposition. You understand that the word implies a high degree of control and the prevention of any changes. You can use it to describe complex systems, such as 'verrouiller l'accès à une base de données'. At this stage, you should be comfortable using the verb in all tenses, including the subjunctive ('Il est nécessaire que vous verrouilliez la porte') and the conditional. You also recognize it in literature or formal journalism where it might describe a 'marché verrouillé' (a locked or closed market) where new competitors cannot enter easily. Your vocabulary is now sophisticated enough to choose between 'verrouiller', 'boucler', and 'clore' depending on the exact context.

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At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the nuances and stylistic effects of 'verrouiller'. You can use it to describe subtle power dynamics, such as 'verrouiller une élection' (to rig or tightly control an election). You are aware of the technical origins of the word and how it relates to 'le verrou' (the bolt) as a metaphor for an obstacle or a key point in an argument. You might use the term in a professional legal or technical presentation to describe 'mécanismes de verrouillage' in a contract or a piece of software. You can also appreciate the word in literary contexts, where 'un cœur verrouillé' might describe someone who is emotionally closed off. Your usage is precise, and you can explain the difference between 'verrouiller' and its many synonyms to lower-level learners, highlighting the connotations of security, authority, and finality.

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At the C2 level, 'verrouiller' is a tool for precise expression in highly specialized fields. In geopolitics, you might analyze how a country 'verrouille un détroit' (locks down a strait) to control maritime traffic. In high-level business negotiation, you use it to describe the final stage of 'verrouillage contractuel' where every loophole is closed. You understand the historical evolution of the word and its place in the broader family of French security terminology. You can use it with irony or sophisticated metaphor in creative writing. You are also aware of regional variations or very specific technical jargon where 'verrouiller' might take on unique meanings, such as in specialized engineering or advanced cybersecurity. Your mastery is such that you can use the word in any register, from a technical manual to a philosophical treatise on the nature of freedom and constraint.

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Verrouiller in 30 Sekunden

Verrouiller means 'to lock' using a physical bolt or a digital mechanism.
It is more formal and secure than the simple verb 'fermer' (to close).
Commonly used for smartphones, doors, cars, and securing computer files.
It is a regular -er verb and can be used reflexively for automatic locking.

The French verb verrouiller is a precise and essential term that goes far beyond the simple act of closing a door. At its core, it means to lock or to secure something using a bolt or a specific locking mechanism. While the common verb fermer merely suggests the act of closing, verrouiller implies a level of security and finality. It is derived from the noun verrou, which refers to a bolt or a sliding latch. In modern French, this word has adapted beautifully to the digital age, becoming the standard term for locking your smartphone screen or protecting a spreadsheet from being edited. When you use verrouiller, you are communicating that something is not just shut, but inaccessible without a key, a code, or a specific authorization.

Physical Security: This is the primary usage. It refers to engaging a mechanical lock on a door, window, or safe. For example, before going to bed, a French speaker might say, 'N'oublie pas de verrouiller la porte d'entrée' (Don't forget to lock the front door). It suggests a physical barrier is in place.
Digital Context: In the world of technology, this verb is ubiquitous. It describes the action of locking a device's screen (verrouiller l'écran) or a user session. It also applies to software, such as 'verrouiller une cellule' in Excel to prevent changes to data. It signifies data protection and access control.
Abstract and Figurative Use: Metaphorically, it can mean to freeze a situation or to make a process impossible to change. In business or politics, one might 'verrouiller un accord' (to lock down an agreement), meaning all details are finalized and no further negotiations are allowed. It can also mean to block access to a market or a position.

Il est primordial de verrouiller toutes les issues avant de quitter le bâtiment pour la nuit.

Translation: It is essential to lock all exits before leaving the building for the night.

The verb follows the regular '-er' conjugation pattern, making it relatively easy for learners to master. However, its importance lies in the nuance of safety. In a country like France, where historical architecture often features heavy shutters (volets) and complex locking systems, the vocabulary of security is quite rich. Understanding 'verrouiller' allows you to navigate everything from home safety to cybersecurity. It is also used in the automotive industry; 'le verrouillage centralisé' refers to central locking systems in cars. Whether you are talking about a physical bolt or a digital password, this word conveys the action of making something secure and unchangeable. Its frequency in modern life, especially with the rise of smartphones, has made it a high-frequency word for A2 learners who are beginning to describe their daily routines and interactions with technology.

Le système va se verrouiller automatiquement après trois tentatives infructueuses.

Translation: The system will lock itself automatically after three unsuccessful attempts.

Using verrouiller correctly requires understanding its role as a transitive verb, meaning it usually takes a direct object. You lock *something*. However, it can also be used reflexively (se verrouiller) when a device or door locks itself automatically. In the present tense, it follows the standard pattern for first-group verbs. For example, 'Je verrouille mon ordinateur' (I am locking my computer). In the passé composé, you use the auxiliary verb avoir: 'J'ai verrouillé la porte'.

Imperative Mood: When giving instructions or warnings, the imperative is common. 'Verrouillez vos ceintures' (Lock/fasten your seatbelts) or 'Verrouille la porte derrière toi' (Lock the door behind you). It sounds authoritative and clear.
Passive and Reflexive: In technical contexts, we often see the reflexive form. 'La session se verrouille après dix minutes d'inactivité' (The session locks after ten minutes of inactivity). This describes an automatic process where the subject performs the action on itself.

Avez-vous pensé à verrouiller le coffre-fort avant de partir ?

Translation: Did you think to lock the safe before leaving?

In more advanced usage, 'verrouiller' can be paired with adverbs to describe how something is locked. 'Verrouiller hermétiquement' suggests an airtight seal, often used in scientific or industrial contexts. In a legal or administrative context, you might hear 'verrouiller le périmètre', which means to secure a perimeter or an area, often used by police. For students, the most important thing is to distinguish it from 'fermer'. If you just close a door, it is 'fermée'. if you turn the key or slide the bolt, it is 'verrouillée'. This distinction is vital for clear communication regarding safety and privacy.

Le mot de passe sert à verrouiller l'accès aux données sensibles.

Translation: The password is used to lock access to sensitive data.

You will encounter verrouiller in several distinct environments in France and other French-speaking countries. One of the most common places is in the settings menu of electronic devices. Whether it is an iPhone, an Android, or a Windows PC, the 'Lock Screen' settings will always use the word verrouillage (the noun form) or the verb verrouiller. If you are setting up a new phone, you will see prompts like 'Verrouiller votre appareil avec un code' (Lock your device with a code).

Public Announcements: In trains or airplanes, you might hear announcements regarding security. For example, during takeoff, flight attendants ensure that overhead bins are 'bien verrouillés' (properly locked/latched). In hotels, instructions on the back of the door often remind guests to 'verrouiller la serrure de sûreté'.
The Workplace: In an office setting, IT security protocols frequently use this term. Employees are told to 'verrouiller leur session' whenever they leave their desks. This is a standard part of corporate culture to protect data privacy.

L'application vous demande de verrouiller votre compte pour plus de sécurité.

Translation: The application asks you to lock your account for more security.

Socially, if you are staying with a French host family, they might ask you, 'As-tu bien verrouillé la porte ?' when you come in late at night. It is a sign of responsibility. In automotive contexts, the 'verrouillage centralisé' is a feature mentioned in almost every car advertisement or manual. It allows the driver to lock all doors simultaneously with a single button or key turn. Furthermore, in sports, specifically in tactical analysis, a commentator might say a team is trying to 'verrouiller le match' (to lock down the game), meaning they are playing defensively to maintain their lead and prevent the opponent from scoring. This variety of contexts—from the physical bolt on a garden gate to the sophisticated encryption of a bank account—demonstrates the word's versatility and its status as a fundamental part of the modern French lexicon.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make is confusing verrouiller with fermer. In English, we often use 'close' and 'lock' somewhat interchangeably in casual speech (e.g., 'Did you close the door?' often implies locking it too). In French, however, these are distinct actions. If you tell someone 'J'ai fermé la porte,' they may assume the door is shut but not necessarily locked. If security is the concern, you must use 'J'ai verrouillé la porte' or 'J'ai fermé la porte à clé'.

Verrouiller vs. Fermer à clé: While both mean 'to lock', 'fermer à clé' specifically mentions the key. 'Verrouiller' is more general and can involve a bolt, a code, a fingerprint, or a key. Using 'verrouiller' for a simple house key is correct but sounds slightly more formal or technical than 'fermer à clé'.
Confusion with 'Bloquer': Learners often use 'bloquer' when they mean 'verrouiller' an electronic device. While 'bloquer' (to block) is used if a phone is frozen or a SIM card is disabled, 'verrouiller' is the correct term for the intentional act of locking the screen for security.

Attention : ne pas confondre fermer (to close) et verrouiller (to lock).

Another error involves the reflexive form. Some learners forget that when a system locks itself, the reflexive 'se' is required. Saying 'Le téléphone verrouille' is grammatically incomplete; it should be 'Le téléphone se verrouille'. Additionally, be careful with the spelling. The double 'r' and the 'ou' followed by 'i' can be tricky for beginners. Remember that it comes from 'verrou' (bolt). Finally, in metaphorical senses, don't overuse 'verrouiller' for 'to finish'. It specifically means to finish in a way that prevents further changes. If you are just finishing a book, 'finir' or 'terminer' is appropriate. If you are finalizing a contract so no one can change the terms, 'verrouiller' is the perfect, sophisticated choice.

To truly master the concept of locking in French, it's helpful to compare verrouiller with its synonyms and related terms. Each has a specific nuance that can change the tone and meaning of your sentence. While 'verrouiller' is the most versatile, these alternatives are common in specific settings.

Fermer à clé: This is the most common everyday expression. It literally means 'to close with a key'. Use this in casual conversation about your house or car. It is less technical than 'verrouiller'.
Cadenasser: This specifically means to lock with a padlock (un cadenas). You would use this for a gym locker, a bicycle chain, or a gate secured with a separate padlock. It is more specific than 'verrouiller'.
Boucler: Literally 'to buckle', but often used figuratively to mean 'to wrap up' or 'to lock down' a project or a budget. 'Boucler la valise' means to finish packing and close the suitcase, often implying it's ready to be locked.
Condamner: In the context of buildings, this means to block off or seal an entrance permanently or for a long period. If a door is 'condamnée', you cannot use it at all. It is a much stronger and more permanent action than simply locking it.

Il a fallu cadenasser le portail pour empêcher les intrusions.

Translation: It was necessary to padlock the gate to prevent intrusions.

In summary, choose 'verrouiller' when you want to emphasize the security mechanism or the digital state of a device. Use 'fermer à clé' for daily household tasks. Use 'cadenasser' for physical padlocks and 'boucler' for finishing tasks or fastening belts. Understanding these nuances will make your French sound much more natural and precise, especially in situations where clarity about security is paramount. For example, telling a police officer 'La porte était verrouillée' sounds more formal and certain than 'La porte était fermée à clé', which might sound more like a casual observation.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The word 'verrou' originally referred to a simple bar of iron used to keep a door shut, long before complex key-operated locks became common.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /vɛ.ʁu.je/

US /vɛ.ru.je/

The stress falls on the final syllable '-er' (yay).

Reimt sich auf

Briller Travailler Conseiller Habiller Réveiller Mouiller Souiller Gaspiller

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing the 'll' like English 'l' (it should be a 'y' sound).
Forgetting the 'ou' sound (don't say 'ver-o-ler').
Pronouncing the final 'r' (it is silent in the infinitive).
Confusing the 'e' sound with 'é'.
Making the 'r' too soft like an English 'r'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'verrou' or 'lock' context.

Schreiben 3/5

Spelling the 'll' and 'ou' correctly can be tricky.

Sprechen 4/5

The French 'r' combined with the 'ou-y' sound is challenging for beginners.

Hören 2/5

Distinctive sound makes it easy to hear in context.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

Fermer La porte La clé Le code Sécurité

Als Nächstes lernen

Déverrouiller Cadenasser La serrure Le pêne Le coffre-fort

Fortgeschritten

L'hermétisme Le blindage L'encryptage L'authentification

Wichtige Grammatik

Regular -er verb conjugation

Je verrouille, tu verrouilles, il verrouille...

Reflexive verbs for automatic actions

La porte se verrouille toute seule.

Passé composé with 'avoir'

J'ai verrouillé toutes les fenêtres.

Imperative mood for instructions

Verrouillez vos ceintures de sécurité.

Subjunctive after expressions of necessity

Il faut que tu verrouilles ton casier.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

Je verrouille la porte.

I lock the door.

Present tense, first person singular.

Tu verrouilles la fenêtre ?

Are you locking the window?

Question form using the 'tu' subject.

Il verrouille son vélo.

He is locking his bike.

Third person singular.

N'oublie pas de verrouiller !

Don't forget to lock!

Imperative negative with 'oublier'.

Elle verrouille le tiroir.

She locks the drawer.

Subject 'elle' with regular -er ending.

Nous verrouillons la voiture.

We are locking the car.

First person plural 'nous' form.

Verrouillez la porte, s'il vous plaît.

Lock the door, please.

Formal imperative 'vous' form.

Ils verrouillent tout.

They lock everything.

Third person plural 'ils' form.

J'ai verrouillé mon téléphone hier soir.

I locked my phone last night.

Passé composé with 'avoir'.

Il faut verrouiller l'écran maintenant.

It is necessary to lock the screen now.

Impersonal phrase 'il faut' + infinitive.

Est-ce que tu as verrouillé la porte d'entrée ?

Did you lock the front door?

Passé composé in a question.

Elle ne verrouille jamais son ordinateur.

She never locks her computer.

Negative 'ne... jamais' structure.

Le système se verrouille après une minute.

The system locks itself after one minute.

Reflexive verb 'se verrouille'.

Nous allons verrouiller les bureaux à 18h.

We are going to lock the offices at 6 PM.

Futur proche with 'aller'.

Vous devez verrouiller votre session.

You must lock your session.

Modal verb 'devoir' + infinitive.

Ils ont verrouillé le coffre de la voiture.

They locked the trunk of the car.

Passé composé with 'le coffre'.

Si tu pars, verrouille bien la serrure de sûreté.

If you leave, lock the safety lock well.

Conditional 'si' clause followed by imperative.

L'application se verrouille si le code est faux.

The app locks if the code is wrong.

Reflexive present tense.

J'aimerais verrouiller ce dossier pour plus de sécurité.

I would like to lock this folder for more security.

Conditional 'aimerais' expressing a wish.

Il a oublié de verrouiller le portail du jardin.

He forgot to lock the garden gate.

Passé composé followed by 'de' + infinitive.

Nous verrouillerons toutes les issues avant la tempête.

We will lock all exits before the storm.

Simple future tense 'verrouillerons'.

Il est prudent de verrouiller ses objets de valeur.

It is wise to lock up your valuables.

Adjective + 'de' + infinitive.

Pourquoi n'as-tu pas verrouillé la valise ?

Why didn't you lock the suitcase?

Negative question in passé composé.

Le gardien verrouille la grille chaque soir.

The guard locks the gate every evening.

Regular present tense.

Le gouvernement a décidé de verrouiller le budget.

The government decided to lock down the budget.

Metaphorical use of 'verrouiller'.

Il est essentiel que vous verrouilliez vos accès Wi-Fi.

It is essential that you lock/secure your Wi-Fi access.

Subjunctive mood after 'il est essentiel que'.

L'entreprise cherche à verrouiller le marché des logiciels.

The company is seeking to lock down the software market.

Figurative use meaning to control access.

Une fois le contrat signé, tout sera verrouillé.

Once the contract is signed, everything will be locked down.

Passive future use.

Elle a verrouillé sa position sur ce sujet délicat.

She locked in/finalized her position on this delicate subject.

Abstract use regarding an opinion.

Le mécanisme s'est verrouillé par erreur.

The mechanism locked itself by mistake.

Reflexive passé composé.

Nous devrions verrouiller cette option dans les paramètres.

We should lock this option in the settings.

Conditional 'devrions' for suggestion.

Ils ont réussi à verrouiller l'accord final.

They succeeded in locking down the final agreement.

Verb 'réussir à' + infinitive.

La stratégie consiste à verrouiller les points de passage clés.

The strategy consists of locking down key crossing points.

Strategic/military context.

Le système de sécurité a été verrouillé hermétiquement.

The security system has been hermetically locked.

Passive voice with adverbial modification.

Il ne faudrait pas que le débat se verrouille trop tôt.

The debate shouldn't be locked down too early.

Negative conditional with reflexive subjunctive.

L'accusé a verrouillé son témoignage pour éviter les failles.

The accused locked down his testimony to avoid loopholes.

Metaphorical use in a legal context.

Le cryptage permet de verrouiller les données de bout en bout.

Encryption allows for locking data end-to-end.

Technical cybersecurity terminology.

Ils ont verrouillé la hiérarchie pour empêcher toute promotion.

They locked the hierarchy to prevent any promotion.

Sociological/organizational context.

Le froid a verrouillé les serrures de la voiture.

The cold locked/froze the car locks.

Subject is an inanimate force of nature.

Il a fallu verrouiller le périmètre de sécurité.

The security perimeter had to be locked down/secured.

Phrase 'il a fallu' + infinitive.

Le verrouillage institutionnel empêche toute réforme structurelle.

Institutional locking prevents any structural reform.

Noun form 'verrouillage' used in political science.

L'auteur verrouille son récit par une conclusion sans appel.

The author locks his narrative with a final, indisputable conclusion.

Literary analysis context.

Le monopole a permis de verrouiller l'accès aux ressources naturelles.

The monopoly allowed for locking access to natural resources.

Economic/Geopolitical context.

Le protocole de sécurité se verrouille automatiquement en cas d'intrusion.

The security protocol locks down automatically in case of intrusion.

Complex technical reflexive usage.

Il s'agit de verrouiller juridiquement les termes de la fusion.

It is a matter of legally locking down the terms of the merger.

Formal business/legal phrasing.

Le silence de la nuit semblait verrouiller la ville entière.

The silence of the night seemed to lock down the entire city.

Poetic/Literary metaphorical use.

La direction a verrouillé toute communication externe.

The management locked down all external communication.

Corporate crisis management context.

Le système de guidage s'est verrouillé sur la cible.

The guidance system locked onto the target.

Military/Aeronautical technical use.

Häufige Kollokationen

Verrouiller la porte

Verrouiller l'écran

Verrouiller une session

Verrouiller un fichier

Verrouiller l'accès

Se verrouiller automatiquement

Verrouiller le coffre

Verrouiller un accord

Verrouiller le budget

Verrouiller une cellule

Häufige Phrasen

Verrouillage centralisé

— A system in cars that locks all doors at once.

Ma voiture a le verrouillage centralisé.

Écran de verrouillage

— The lock screen on a phone or computer.

Change ton fond d'écran de verrouillage.

Code de verrouillage

— The numerical code used to unlock a device.

Quel est ton code de verrouillage ?

Verrouiller à double tour

— To lock a door with two turns of the key for extra safety.

Elle verrouille toujours à double tour.

Verrouiller la majuscule

— To engage the Caps Lock key on a keyboard.

Tu as verrouillé la majuscule par erreur.

Pêne de verrouillage

— The actual metal bolt that moves in a lock.

Le pêne de verrouillage est cassé.

Verrouiller le périmètre

— To secure an area, often used by police.

La police a verrouillé le périmètre.

Verrouiller ses positions

— To refuse to change one's mind or strategy.

Le syndicat a verrouillé ses positions.

Verrouiller le système

— To secure an entire computer or mechanical system.

Il faut verrouiller le système après l'alerte.

Verrouiller les issues

— To lock all possible exits from a building.

Verrouillez les issues de secours.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

Verrouiller vs Fermer

Fermer only means to close. A door can be closed but not locked.

Verrouiller vs Bloquer

Bloquer is used for something that is stuck or frozen, not necessarily locked for security.

Verrouiller vs Cadenasser

Cadenasser requires a padlock. You can't cadenasser a smartphone.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Verrouiller le débat"

— To prevent any further discussion or opposing views.

Le président a verrouillé le débat dès le début.

Formal

"Avoir le cœur verrouillé"

— To be emotionally closed off or unable to love.

Depuis sa rupture, il a le cœur verrouillé.

Literary

"Verrouiller son jeu"

— In sports, to play very defensively to protect a lead.

L'équipe a verrouillé son jeu en seconde période.

Informal

"Verrouiller une élection"

— To control an election so tightly that the outcome is certain.

Le dictateur a verrouillé l'élection.

Political

"Verrouiller la bouche"

— To keep a secret or force someone to be silent.

Elle a verrouillé sa bouche sur cette affaire.

Informal

"Un marché verrouillé"

— A market that is impossible for new companies to enter.

Le secteur de l'énergie est un marché verrouillé.

Economic

"Verrouiller les vannes"

— To stop the flow of something, like money or information.

La banque a verrouillé les vannes du crédit.

Journalistic

"Verrouiller son destin"

— To take actions that make a certain future inevitable.

Par ce choix, il a verrouillé son destin.

Literary

"Verrouiller le score"

— To prevent the opponent from scoring any more points.

La défense a réussi à verrouiller le score.

Sports

"Verrouiller la porte au nez"

— To lock someone out abruptly or refuse to listen.

Elle lui a verrouillé la porte au nez.

Informal

Leicht verwechselbar

Verrouiller vs Boulonner

Both involve metal parts.

Boulonner means to bolt with a nut and bolt (construction), while verrouiller is for security locks.

Il faut boulonner cette étagère au mur.

Verrouiller vs Serrer

Sounds like 'serrure' (lock).

Serrer means to squeeze or tighten. It has nothing to do with locking a door.

Serre-moi la main.

Verrouiller vs Clore

Both mean to finish or close.

Clore is formal/literary and means to bring to an end, like a meeting or a debate.

La séance est close.

Verrouiller vs Fermer à clé

Exact same meaning.

Verrouiller is a single verb and slightly more formal/technical; fermer à clé is the everyday phrase.

J'ai fermé à clé.

Verrouiller vs Condamner

Both prevent entry.

Condamner is for permanently blocking a door or window so it can never be used.

Ils ont condamné la porte de la cave.

Satzmuster

Sujet + verrouille + [objet].

Marie verrouille la porte.

Sujet + a verrouillé + [objet].

J'ai verrouillé mon portable.

Sujet + se verrouille + [adverbe].

L'écran se verrouille automatiquement.

Il faut + verrouiller + [objet].

Il faut verrouiller l'accès au site.

Sujet + a été + verrouillé.

Le système a été verrouillé par l'administrateur.

Sujet + verrouille + [concept abstrait].

Cette loi verrouille le système judiciaire.

Sujet + ne + verrouille + jamais + [objet].

Il ne verrouille jamais sa voiture.

Est-ce que + sujet + verrouille + [objet] ?

Est-ce que tu verrouilles la fenêtre ?

Wortfamilie

Substantive

Le verrou (bolt/latch)

Le verrouillage (locking/blocking)

Le déverrouillage (unlocking)

La serrure (lock)

Verben

Déverrouiller (to unlock)

Serrer (to tighten/clasp)

Adjektive

Verrouillé (locked)

Déverrouillé (unlocked)

Inverrouillable (cannot be locked)

Verwandt

La clé

Le cadenas

Le pêne

La gâche

Le coffre-fort

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Common in daily life, very high in technical and security contexts.

Häufige Fehler

Je verrouille l'ordinateur à clé. → Je verrouille l'ordinateur.
You don't use a physical key for a computer, so 'à clé' is incorrect here. Just use the verb alone.
La porte verrouille. → La porte se verrouille.
A door doesn't perform the action of locking; it is locked or locks itself. You need the reflexive 'se'.
J'ai fermé mon téléphone. → J'ai verrouillé mon téléphone.
Closing a phone (like a flip phone) is 'fermer', but securing the screen is 'verrouiller'.
Verrouiller le ceinture. → Attacher/Boucler la ceinture.
Verrouiller is not used for seatbelts in standard French.
Il a verrouillé avec un cadenas. → Il a cadenassé.
While not strictly wrong, 'cadenasser' is the more precise and natural verb for using a padlock.

Tipps

The Key in the Bolt

Remember that 'verrou' is a bolt. So 'verrouiller' is the act of sliding that bolt. Visualize the 'V' of the bolt sliding into the 'R' of the door frame.

Reflexive Power

Use 'se verrouiller' for anything that happens automatically. 'Mon ordinateur se verrouille' sounds much more natural for a machine than the active form.

Digital First

If you are talking about technology (phones, apps, files), always prefer 'verrouiller' over 'fermer à clé'.

Home Security

When telling someone to lock up, 'N'oublie pas de verrouiller' sounds more serious and security-conscious than 'N'oublie pas de fermer'.

The Silent R

In the infinitive 'verrouiller', the 'r' is silent. It sounds like 'ay' at the end. Don't pronounce it like 'er' in 'her'.

Business Locking

In business, use 'verrouiller l'accord' to mean that the deal is final and no one can change the terms anymore.

Double L

The double 'l' creates the 'y' sound. Think of other words like 'travailler' or 'famille' to remember the sound.

Cadenasser for Pads

Only use 'cadenasser' if there is a physical padlock (cadenas) involved. Otherwise, stick to 'verrouiller'.

Host Family Tip

If your host says 'Verrouillez bien', they are concerned about safety. It's a stronger instruction than just 'Fermez'.

Abstract Use

Try using 'verrouiller' for abstract concepts like 'verrouiller ses émotions' to sound more like a native C1 speaker.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of a 'V' shape for a bolt and 'Roo' like a kangaroo jumping into place to 'Lock' the door. Ver-ROO-iller.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a large medieval iron bolt (verrou) sliding across a heavy wooden castle door.

Word Web

Sûreté Clé Porte Écran Code Cadenas Secret Fermer

Herausforderung

Try to say 'Je verrouille mon téléphone' five times fast without tripping over the 'r' and 'll' sounds.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Old French word 'verrouil', which comes from the Vulgar Latin 'verriculum', a diminutive of 'veru' meaning 'spit' or 'bolt'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To fasten a door with a horizontal iron bolt.

Romance (Latin root).

Kultureller Kontext

No specific sensitivities, but 'verrouiller' can imply exclusion in social contexts.

English speakers use 'lock' for almost everything, whereas French speakers might choose 'fermer à clé' for homes and 'verrouiller' for more technical or high-security contexts.

The concept of the 'Locked Room Mystery' (Mystère de la chambre close) is a popular genre in French detective fiction. Louis XVI was a famous amateur locksmith (serrurier). The 'verrou' is a famous painting by Jean-Honoré Fragonard depicting a lover locking a door.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Home Security

Verrouiller la porte d'entrée
Vérifier les verrous
Fermer à double tour
Verrouiller les volets

Technology

Verrouiller l'écran
Code de déverrouillage
Verrouiller une application
Verrouillage automatique

Travel

Verrouiller sa valise
Verrouiller la chambre d'hôtel
Verrouiller le casier
Verrouiller le vélo

Work

Verrouiller sa session
Verrouiller le classeur
Verrouiller un document PDF
Verrouiller l'accès au serveur

Automotive

Verrouiller les portières
Verrouillage centralisé
Verrouiller le volant
Le coffre est verrouillé

Gesprächseinstiege

"Est-ce que tu verrouilles toujours ta porte quand tu es chez toi ?"

"Quel type de code utilises-tu pour verrouiller ton téléphone ?"

"As-tu déjà oublié de verrouiller ta voiture dans un parking ?"

"Comment peut-on verrouiller un fichier Excel pour que personne ne le modifie ?"

"Penses-tu qu'il est nécessaire de verrouiller sa valise quand on voyage en train ?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Décrivez votre routine de sécurité avant de quitter votre maison le matin.

Pourquoi est-il important de verrouiller ses données personnelles sur internet ?

Racontez une fois où vous avez oublié de verrouiller quelque chose d'important.

Pensez-vous que les gens verrouillent trop leur cœur et leurs émotions aujourd'hui ?

Quels sont les avantages du verrouillage automatique sur nos appareils modernes ?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, for a seatbelt you should use 'attacher' or 'boucler'. 'Verrouiller' would only refer to the internal mechanical latching in a technical context.

They both mean to lock. 'Fermer à clé' specifically implies using a physical key. 'Verrouiller' is more general and covers bolts, codes, and digital locks. 'Verrouiller' is also more common in manuals and technical settings.

It is 'écran de verrouillage'. You use the noun form 'verrouillage' here.

Metaphorically, yes. 'Verrouiller quelqu'un' could mean to lock someone in a room, but more commonly it is used for 'verrouiller une situation' to prevent someone from acting.

Yes, it is a regular first-group verb ending in -er. It follows the same conjugation pattern as 'aimer' or 'parler'.

The opposite is 'déverrouiller'. You simply add the prefix 'dé-'.

Yes, it means to play very defensively to protect a lead, often called 'verrouiller le match'.

It is spelled with two 'l's: verrouiller. It comes from 'verrou' + the suffix '-iller'.

Yes, 'verrouiller un compte' means to lock or freeze an account for security reasons.

It is the central locking system in a car that locks all doors simultaneously.

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