In 15 Seconds
- Used to end a long conflict or disagreement definitively.
- Combines 'peace' with the verb for 'closing' a contract.
- Works for personal relationships, work disputes, and inner peace.
Meaning
This phrase is used when you decide to end a conflict or a long-standing argument with someone. It is about reaching a resolution and choosing to move forward without the weight of the fight.
Key Examples
3 of 6Reconciling with a sibling
Nach Jahren des Schweigens haben die Geschwister endlich Frieden geschlossen.
After years of silence, the siblings finally made peace.
Ending a workplace rivalry
Wir sollten Frieden schließen, damit wir das Projekt erfolgreich beenden können.
We should make peace so we can finish the project successfully.
Texting a friend after a fight
Können wir bitte endlich Frieden schließen? Ich vermisse unsere Gespräche.
Can we please finally make peace? I miss our conversations.
Cultural Background
The phrase mirrors the formal language of diplomacy and law, where 'closing' a treaty signifies its commencement. In post-war Germany, the concept of 'Frieden' (peace) carries significant weight and is often discussed in educational and social contexts as an active choice rather than a passive state. It became deeply embedded in the language as a way to handle interpersonal disputes with the same gravity as political ones.
The 'Contract' Connection
Remember that 'schließen' is for contracts. When you make peace in German, you are making a solid, binding agreement to stop fighting.
Don't say 'Frieden machen'
While 'make peace' is literal in English, 'Frieden machen' sounds very childish in German, like something a five-year-old would say on a playground.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to end a long conflict or disagreement definitively.
- Combines 'peace' with the verb for 'closing' a contract.
- Works for personal relationships, work disputes, and inner peace.
What It Means
Think of Frieden schließen as the official end of a war. This isn't just for countries, though. It works for you and your best friend too. It means you are both done with the drama. You are literally 'closing' the chapter of conflict. It feels like a heavy door finally shutting on a cold room. You aren't just saying sorry. You are agreeing that the fight is over for good.
How To Use It
You usually use this phrase with the preposition mit. For example, you can say Ich habe Frieden mit ihm geschlossen. This means 'I made peace with him.' It sounds a bit more formal than just 'making up.' It implies a conscious decision. You can also use it for yourself. Frieden mit sich selbst schließen is a common way to talk about self-acceptance. It is a very versatile phrase for any kind of resolution.
When To Use It
Use this when a conflict has lasted a while. It is perfect for those deep, meaningful reconciliations. Use it at work if you and a colleague finally stop bickering. Use it in a relationship after a big blow-up. It is also great for texting when you want to sound sincere. It shows you are serious about moving on. It is a powerful way to clear the air.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for tiny, everyday accidents. If you step on someone's toe, just say Entschuldigung. Asking to 'close peace' over a spilled latte sounds way too dramatic. It might make people think you are being sarcastic. Also, avoid it if the other person is still very angry. You can't close peace alone. It takes two people to agree the war is over. Otherwise, it just sounds like a demand.
Cultural Background
Germans love clear structures and resolutions. The verb schließen is the same one used for 'concluding a contract' (einen Vertrag schließen). This gives the phrase a sense of permanence and legality. In German history, peace treaties are huge milestones. By using this phrase, you are giving your personal resolution that same weight. It is not just an emotion. It is a social agreement. It reflects a cultural desire for 'Ordnung' or order.
Common Variations
You might hear Sich versöhnen, which is more about the emotional 'making up' part. Frieden schließen is the act of ending the state of conflict. There is also the idiom Das Kriegsbeil begraben. That literally means 'to bury the hatchet.' It is a bit more colorful and informal. If you want to sound very modern, you might just say Wir sind wieder cool miteinander. But Frieden schließen remains the gold standard for a deep, lasting resolution.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and fits almost any situation where a conflict is being resolved. Just remember to use 'mit' for the person you are reconciling with and 'schließen' as the verb.
The 'Contract' Connection
Remember that 'schließen' is for contracts. When you make peace in German, you are making a solid, binding agreement to stop fighting.
Don't say 'Frieden machen'
While 'make peace' is literal in English, 'Frieden machen' sounds very childish in German, like something a five-year-old would say on a playground.
Inner Peace
Germans use this phrase a lot for 'Frieden mit sich selbst' (peace with oneself). It is a common theme in German self-help and psychology.
Examples
6Nach Jahren des Schweigens haben die Geschwister endlich Frieden geschlossen.
After years of silence, the siblings finally made peace.
Shows a deep, life-changing resolution.
Wir sollten Frieden schließen, damit wir das Projekt erfolgreich beenden können.
We should make peace so we can finish the project successfully.
Focuses on professional cooperation.
Können wir bitte endlich Frieden schließen? Ich vermisse unsere Gespräche.
Can we please finally make peace? I miss our conversations.
A sincere plea for reconciliation via text.
Ich habe heute Frieden mit meiner Schokolade geschlossen.
I made peace with my chocolate today.
Uses the phrase jokingly about a personal struggle.
Es ist wichtig, Frieden mit seiner Vergangenheit zu schließen.
It is important to make peace with one's past.
Refers to internal emotional health.
Die beiden Länder haben nach dem Grenzkonflikt Frieden geschlossen.
The two countries made peace after the border conflict.
The most literal and traditional use of the phrase.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence to say 'I want to make peace with you.'
Ich möchte ___ dir Frieden ___.
In German, you 'close' peace 'with' (`mit`) someone.
Choose the correct verb for making peace.
Hast du endlich Frieden mit deinem Nachbarn ___?
The standard collocation is 'Frieden schließen', and the past participle is 'geschlossen'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Frieden schließen'
Used between friends after a fight.
Komm, lass uns Frieden schließen.
Standard way to describe ending a conflict.
Sie haben endlich Frieden geschlossen.
Used in news or history books.
Die Nationen schlossen Frieden.
When to use 'Frieden schließen'
Family Feuds
Ending a long silence with a cousin.
Work Conflicts
Resolving a dispute with a boss.
Inner Growth
Accepting your own mistakes.
Romantic Relationships
Moving past a major argument.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesIch möchte ___ dir Frieden ___.
In German, you 'close' peace 'with' (`mit`) someone.
Hast du endlich Frieden mit deinem Nachbarn ___?
The standard collocation is 'Frieden schließen', and the past participle is 'geschlossen'.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNot at all! While it originated in diplomacy, it is used every day for personal arguments, workplace disputes, and even internal struggles.
You can, but it sounds very serious. If you use it for a tiny disagreement, it might come across as slightly dramatic or even funny.
Sich versöhnen is more about the emotional healing and hugging it out. Frieden schließen is about the decision to stop the conflict.
You would say: Ich habe Frieden mit meiner Vergangenheit geschlossen. It is a very natural and common expression.
Yes, for this specific collocation. Using machen or tun will sound incorrect to a native speaker's ears.
No, it is a timeless phrase. It is used in modern literature, news, and daily conversation without sounding 'dusty'.
Yes, it is appropriate if you are trying to resolve a long-standing tension with a partner or colleague. It shows maturity.
Always use mit (with). For example: Frieden mit dem Nachbarn schließen.
Younger people might say wieder gut sein (to be good again), as in Wir sind wieder gut.
Yes, humorously! You can say Ich habe Frieden mit meiner Diät geschlossen if you've decided to stop stressing about it.
Usually, it is just Frieden schließen without the article, similar to how we say 'make peace' in English.
The opposite would be einen Streit anfangen (to start a fight) or den Krieg erklären (to declare war).
Related Phrases
Sich versöhnen
Das Kriegsbeil begraben
Einen Schlussstrich ziehen
Sich wieder vertragen
