Signification
To unlatch and push open a window.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Stoßlüften' is a national habit. It involves opening windows wide for a few minutes rather than leaving them 'auf Kipp' (tilted) all day, which is seen as inefficient for heating. Similar to Germany, 'Lüften' is important, but there is also a strong belief in 'Durchzug' (drafts) being harmful to health, leading to 'Zugluft' complaints. In Swiss apartment buildings, there are often strict rules about when and how to air out rooms to maintain energy efficiency and prevent noise pollution. Windows in Europe often open inwards (unlike many US windows that slide up), which makes 'ein Fenster öffnen' a more dramatic physical action that takes up space in the room.
The 'Kipp' Trick
If you want to sound like a local, ask 'Soll ich {das|n} Fenster auf Kipp machen?' instead of just opening it.
The Draft Danger
Be aware of 'Durchzug'. If you open two windows on opposite sides of a room, the wind will blow through, which many Germans dislike.
Signification
To unlatch and push open a window.
The 'Kipp' Trick
If you want to sound like a local, ask 'Soll ich {das|n} Fenster auf Kipp machen?' instead of just opening it.
The Draft Danger
Be aware of 'Durchzug'. If you open two windows on opposite sides of a room, the wind will blow through, which many Germans dislike.
Energy Saving
Always turn off the radiator (Heizung) before you open the window to avoid wasting energy.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of 'öffnen' and the correct article for 'Fenster'.
Es ist heiß. Ich ___ ___ ___.
The subject 'Ich' requires the verb form 'öffne', and 'Fenster' is neuter accusative 'das Fenster'.
Which sentence is a polite request?
Select the best option:
Option B uses 'kannst du' and 'bitte', making it a polite request.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hier ist schlechte Luft. B: Oh, Entschuldigung. Ich ___ ___ ___.
If the air is bad, the logical action is to open the window.
Match the German phrase with its English meaning.
Match them up:
These are the four most common window-related actions in Germany.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEs ist heiß. Ich ___ ___ ___.
The subject 'Ich' requires the verb form 'öffne', and 'Fenster' is neuter accusative 'das Fenster'.
Select the best option:
Option B uses 'kannst du' and 'bitte', making it a polite request.
A: Hier ist schlechte Luft. B: Oh, Entschuldigung. Ich ___ ___ ___.
If the air is bad, the logical action is to open the window.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the four most common window-related actions in Germany.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNeither is 'better', but 'aufmachen' is more common in spoken, casual German. 'Öffnen' is more formal and standard.
Yes, 'Fenster' is always neuter. In the plural, it becomes 'die Fenster'.
It is the practice of opening windows wide for 5-10 minutes to completely refresh the air, which is very common in Germany.
Yes, 'eine Tür öffnen' is perfectly correct and follows the same grammar.
To prevent humidity buildup and mold, which is a major concern in well-insulated German buildings.
Expressions liées
lüften
similarTo air out a room.
{das|n} Fenster schließen
contrastTo close the window.
{das|n} Fenster aufmachen
synonymTo open the window (informal).
{das|n} Fenster kippen
specialized formTo tilt the window.
