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schließen

A1 verb #1,300 most common 11 min read

schließen

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips schließen in 30 Seconds

Explanation schließen in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'schließen' is one of the first verbs you learn to describe daily routines. You primarily use it for physical objects like doors (Türen) and windows (Fenster). It is essential for understanding basic instructions in a classroom or a public space. For example, a teacher might say, 'Bitte schließen Sie das Buch' (Please close the book). You also learn it in the context of business hours, which is vital for daily life in Germany. You will see signs on shops that say 'Geschlossen' (Closed). At this stage, you should focus on the present tense forms: 'ich schließe,' 'du schließt,' and 'er schließt.' It is also important to recognize the past participle 'geschlossen' because you will see it on signs everywhere. Even though 'zumachen' is more common in casual speech, 'schließen' is the standard formal verb you need to know to navigate public life, read signs, and follow basic directions. You should practice simple sentences like 'Ich schließe das Fenster' or 'Der Supermarkt schließt um acht Uhr.' This level is about the literal, physical act of closing something to block an opening or end a period of time.

At the A2 level, you begin to expand the use of 'schließen' beyond just doors and windows. You start using it for body parts, specifically the eyes ('die Augen schließen'). This is common in descriptions of sleeping or relaxing. You also encounter 'schließen' in more varied public contexts, such as 'einen Laden schließen' (closing a shop) or 'eine Bank schließen.' At this level, you are expected to know the Präteritum form 'schloss' and the Perfekt form 'hat geschlossen.' You might start to see the verb in reflexive constructions, like 'Die Tür schließt sich,' which is useful for describing automatic doors. You also learn common collocations like 'eine Lücke schließen' (to fill a gap), which can be used both physically and metaphorically. The A2 learner should be comfortable using 'schließen' in the past tense to describe their day, for example: 'Gestern habe ich das Büro erst um 20 Uhr geschlossen.' You are also introduced to the idea of 'schließen' as 'to end' in a more formal sense, such as 'die Sitzung schließen' (to close the meeting).

At the B1 level, 'schließen' moves into the realm of social and professional agreements. This is where you learn the very important phrase 'Freundschaft schließen' (to make friends). It is a key part of describing your social life. You also learn 'einen Vertrag schließen' (to conclude a contract) and 'einen Kompromiss schließen' (to reach a compromise). These are essential for professional communication and navigating adult life in Germany. Another major step at B1 is the prepositional verb 'schließen aus' (to conclude from). This allows you to express logical thinking: 'Aus deinem Verhalten schließe ich, dass du sauer bist' (From your behavior, I conclude that you are angry). This level requires a firm grasp of the strong verb conjugation and the ability to use 'schließen' in various tenses and moods, including the subjunctive (Konjunktiv II) for polite requests or hypothetical situations: 'Würden Sie bitte die Tür schließen?' You also begin to see 'schließen' in more complex word families, like 'abschließen' (to lock/complete) and 'anschließen' (to connect).

At the B2 level, you use 'schließen' with a high degree of precision and in more abstract contexts. You will encounter it in legal and political news, such as 'einen Frieden schließen' (to make peace) or 'ein Bündnis schließen' (to form an alliance). The logical use ('schließen aus') becomes more nuanced, and you might use it in academic discussions to draw conclusions from data or texts. You also learn more idiomatic expressions, such as 'jemanden ins Herz schließen' (to grow fond of someone) or 'die Augen vor etwas schließen' (to close one's eyes to something/ignore something). At this level, you should be able to distinguish clearly between 'schließen' and its many prefixes (aufschließen, verschließen, umschließen, etc.). You also use 'schließen' in the passive voice more frequently to describe processes: 'Die Akte wurde endgültig geschlossen.' Your understanding of the verb now includes its role in forming complex nouns like 'Schlussfolgerung' (conclusion) or 'Abschluss' (completion/graduation).

At the C1 level, 'schließen' is used with stylistic flair and in highly specialized domains. You use it in literary analysis to describe how a story 'den Kreis schließt' (comes full circle). In professional settings, you might use it to describe 'Marktlücken schließen' (closing market gaps) or 'Sicherheitslücken schließen' (fixing security vulnerabilities). The logical application is now sophisticated; you can use 'schließen' to follow complex chains of reasoning in academic papers or legal documents. You are also aware of the subtle differences in register between 'schließen' and more formal alternatives like 'folgern' or 'konstatieren.' You can use the verb in the 'Zustandspassiv' (state passive) to describe conditions: 'Nachdem die Ehe geschlossen war...' (After the marriage was concluded...). Your vocabulary includes rare idioms and metaphorical uses, and you can switch between the literal and figurative meanings of the verb effortlessly. You also understand the historical and etymological roots of the word, which helps you grasp its use in older German literature.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of 'schließen' in all its forms and nuances. You can use it in philosophical contexts to discuss 'das Schließen von Erkenntnislücken' (the closing of gaps in knowledge). You are comfortable with its use in highly technical legal language, such as 'einen Vergleich schließen' in complex litigation. You can appreciate and use the verb in poetic and archaic contexts, understanding how it has been used by great German writers like Goethe or Schiller. You are also sensitive to regional variations, such as the use of 'schliessen' in Switzerland. At this level, 'schließen' is not just a verb but a versatile tool for precision, allowing you to express the finest shades of meaning in logic, law, emotion, and physical description. You can use it to construct elegant, complex sentences that reflect a deep understanding of German syntax and semantics. You are also able to explain the nuances of 'schließen' to others, including its relationship to concepts like 'Schluss' (end/conclusion) and 'Schlüssel' (key).

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

schließen in 30 Seconds

Schließen is a strong German verb primarily meaning 'to close' or 'to shut' physical objects like doors and windows.
It is also used for concluding formal agreements, such as contracts, marriages, or forming new friendships.
In a logical context, 'schließen aus' means to infer or draw a conclusion based on specific facts or observations.
The verb is irregular: its past forms are 'schloss' (simple past) and 'hat geschlossen' (past participle).

The German verb schließen is a cornerstone of the German language, primarily known to beginners as the equivalent of the English verb 'to close' or 'to shut.' However, its semantic range is far broader than just the physical act of moving a door or a window. At its core, schließen signifies the act of bringing something to an end, completing a circuit, or establishing a firm connection. In everyday life, you will use it to describe closing your eyes before sleep, shutting a book after reading, or closing a drawer. But as you progress in German, you will find it used in legal, social, and logical contexts that define the very structure of German thought.

Physical Action: The most common use involves physical barriers. When you leave a room, you schließen die Tür. It implies a definitive action, often more formal or precise than the colloquial zumachen.
Abstract Completion: In a business or social sense, it refers to the finalization of agreements. You can einen Vertrag schließen (conclude a contract) or Freundschaft schließen (make friends). Here, the 'closing' is the sealing of a bond.
Logical Inference: Perhaps the most advanced use is 'schließen aus,' which means to conclude or infer. Based on evidence, you 'close' your mind around a specific result. For example, 'Ich schließe daraus, dass du müde bist' (I conclude from that, that you are tired).

Wir müssen das Fenster schließen, weil es draußen sehr kalt geworden ist.

Die beiden Firmen wollen einen neuen Pakt schließen.

Temporal Use: When a shop ends its business day, it 'schließt.' This applies to institutions like banks, museums, and supermarkets. 'Das Museum schließt um 18 Uhr.'

Bitte schließen Sie die Augen und entspannen Sie sich.

Er konnte die Lücke in seinem Lebenslauf endlich schließen.

Emotional Connection: To 'ins Herz schließen' means to grow fond of someone, literally 'to close someone into one's heart.' It is a beautiful way to describe the beginning of a deep affection.

Ich habe diesen kleinen Hund sofort in mein Herz geschlossen.

In summary, schließen is more than just a physical movement; it is a verb of completion, inference, and connection. Whether you are shutting a door, ending a meeting, or forming a lifelong friendship, this verb provides the linguistic structure to describe the act of bringing things together or bringing them to a close. Its versatility makes it an essential tool for any German learner, bridging the gap between basic daily interactions and complex abstract thought.

Using schließen correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical behavior as a strong verb and its various prepositional partners. Because it is a strong verb, its stem vowel changes in the past tenses, which is a common hurdle for English speakers. In the present tense, it follows a standard pattern, but the 'ß' (Eszett) is maintained throughout most forms.

Present Tense Conjugation: Ich schließe, du schließt, er/sie/es schließt, wir schließen, ihr schließt, sie schließen. Note that for 'du' and 'er/sie/es', the ending is identical because the stem already ends in a sibilant sound.
Past Tenses: The Präteritum (Simple Past) is schloss. The Perfekt (Present Perfect) uses the auxiliary 'haben' and the participle geschlossen. Example: 'Ich habe die Tür geschlossen.'

Der Laden schließt in zehn Minuten, also beeil dich!

Nach der langen Debatte schloss der Vorsitzende die Sitzung.

The Passive Voice: Because 'schließen' is transitive (it takes a direct object), it is frequently used in the passive voice. 'Die Tür wird geschlossen' (The door is being closed) or 'Das Geschäft ist geschlossen' (The shop is closed - state passive).

Aus deinem Lächeln schließe ich, dass du gute Nachrichten hast.

Wir haben gestern einen wichtigen Kompromiss geschlossen.

Word Order with Modals: When paired with a modal verb like 'müssen' or 'können', 'schließen' moves to the end of the sentence in its infinitive form. 'Du musst die Augen schließen.'

Könnten Sie bitte die Akte schließen?

Beyond these basic structures, 'schließen' often appears in complex sentences involving subordinate clauses, especially when making logical deductions. 'Ich schließe daraus, dass wir noch viel Arbeit vor uns haben.' In this case, the 'daraus' acts as a placeholder for the entire following clause. Mastering 'schließen' involves not just knowing the word, but understanding how it anchors these different types of information—from the physical state of a door to the complex logical result of an argument. By practicing these patterns, you will move from simple A1 sentences to the nuanced communication required at higher CEFR levels.

In the German-speaking world, schließen is omnipresent, appearing in both mundane and highly formal environments. One of the first places a traveler will encounter it is in public transportation. On the U-Bahn or S-Bahn, the automated voice often announces: 'Zurückbleiben bitte, die Türen schließen selbstständig' (Please stand back, the doors close automatically). This use is purely functional and sets a tone of efficiency and safety.

Retail and Business: Walking through a German city, you will see signs on shop doors saying 'Geschlossen' (Closed). In the evening, you might hear a shop assistant call out, 'Wir schließen gleich!' (We are closing soon!). This is the standard way to announce the end of business hours.
News and Media: In news broadcasts, you will hear about political parties that 'einen Koalitionsvertrag schließen' (form a coalition agreement) or countries that 'Frieden schließen' (make peace). It lends an air of gravity and finality to the reporting.
Academic and Legal Contexts: In a university lecture or a courtroom, 'schließen' is used to wrap up arguments. A professor might say, 'Daraus lässt sich schließen, dass...' (From this, it can be concluded that...). In law, 'einen Vergleich schließen' means to reach a settlement.

'Die Türen schließen automatisch.' - Eine Ansage in der Berliner U-Bahn.

'Wann schließt die Bank heute?' - Eine häufige Frage im Alltag.

Literature and Poetry: In German literature, 'schließen' is often used metaphorically. Authors might write about 'das Buch des Lebens schließen' (closing the book of life) or 'einen Kreis schließen' (closing a circle/coming full circle). It carries a poetic weight of completion.

'Am Ende schließt sich der Kreis der Erzählung.'

'Wir haben im Urlaub viele neue Freundschaften geschlossen.'

You will also hear 'schließen' in the context of technology. Websites 'schließen eine Sicherheitslücke' (close a security gap/vulnerability), and programs 'schließen' when you exit them. Even in the kitchen, you 'schließen den Deckel' (close the lid) on a pot. Because it spans from the most technical jargon to the most intimate emotional expressions, 'schließen' is a word you will hear dozens of times a day in Germany. Paying attention to the context—whether it's a train door, a business deal, or a logical conclusion—will help you grasp the subtle shifts in meaning that this versatile verb offers.

For English speakers, the most frequent mistake when using schließen is confusing it with its synonyms or failing to use the correct past tense forms. While 'schließen' means 'to close,' German has several other words that overlap in meaning, and choosing the wrong one can sound unnatural or even change the meaning of your sentence.

Schließen vs. Zumachen: This is the most common pitfall. 'Zumachen' is informal and very common in spoken German. If you are telling a friend to close the door, 'Mach die Tür zu' is more natural than 'Schließe die Tür.' Using 'schließen' in very casual settings can sound overly stiff or robotic.
Schließen vs. Abschließen: 'Schließen' means to shut. 'Abschließen' means to lock with a key. If you say 'Ich habe die Tür geschlossen,' you just shut it. If you want to say you locked it so no one can enter, you must use 'abgeschlossen.' This is a vital distinction for security!
Conjugation Errors: Many learners treat 'schließen' as a regular verb, saying 'ich schließte' instead of 'ich schloss.' Remember: it is a strong verb. The past participle is 'geschlossen,' not 'geschließt.'

Falsch: Ich habe die Tür geschließt.
Richtig: Ich habe die Tür geschlossen.

Falsch: Er schließte das Fenster.
Richtig: Er schloss das Fenster.

Confusion with 'Beenden': While 'schließen' can mean to end a meeting, you cannot use it for everything you 'finish.' You don't 'schließen' a movie or a meal; you 'beenden' or 'fertigstellen' them. 'Schließen' is reserved for formal sessions, files, or accounts.

Falsch: Ich schließe meine Hausaufgaben.
Richtig: Ich beende meine Hausaufgaben.

Man muss den Computer anschließen, nicht nur schließen.

Another subtle mistake is the use of 'schließen' for 'to conclude' in an essay. While correct, German academic writing often prefers 'folgern' or 'resümieren' for variety. Using 'schließen' repeatedly can make your writing feel repetitive. Finally, pay attention to the 'ß'. In Switzerland and Liechtenstein, 'schließen' is written as 'schliessen' with a double 's'. If you are writing for a Swiss audience, using the 'ß' is technically a mistake. By being mindful of these distinctions—formality, locking vs. shutting, and the strong verb conjugation—you will avoid the most common errors and speak much more like a native.

To truly master German, you need to know when schließen is the best choice and when an alternative would be more precise. German is a language of precision, and there are several verbs that describe the act of 'closing' in different ways.

Zumachen: The informal sibling of 'schließen.' Use this for everyday objects like bottles, bags, or doors when talking to friends. It is the most common spoken alternative. 'Kannst du bitte die Flasche zumachen?'
Abschließen: As mentioned, this implies locking. It also means 'to complete' or 'to graduate' (e.g., 'das Studium abschließen'). It suggests a final, secure end to a process or a physical space.
Beenden: To terminate or finish. Use this for activities, phone calls, or relationships. 'Wir müssen das Gespräch beenden.'

Anstatt die Tür nur zu schließen, solltest du sie auch abschließen.

Der Brief wurde mit Wachs versiegelt.

Folgern: A more academic alternative to 'schließen aus.' It specifically means to deduce logically. 'Daraus folgere ich, dass die Theorie falsch ist.'
Zuklappen: To slam shut or fold shut. Used for laptops, books, or folding chairs. It implies a 'klapp' (clack) sound. 'Er klappte das Buch genervt zu.'

Bitte klappen Sie Ihre Laptops zu.

Die Wunde muss mit Stichen geschlossen werden.

In technical fields, you might encounter 'stilllegen' (to shut down a factory or a machine permanently) or 'sperren' (to block a road or a bank account). While 'schließen' could technically work in some of these cases, these alternatives provide the specific nuance needed. For example, 'Die Straße ist gesperrt' (The road is blocked/closed to traffic) is much more common than 'Die Straße ist geschlossen.' By expanding your vocabulary to include these synonyms, you can express the exact nature of the 'closing' action, whether it's the gentle shutting of eyes, the final locking of a door, or the logical deduction of a complex argument.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Wir schließen hiermit die heutige Sitzung."

Neutral

"Der Supermarkt schließt heute früher."

Informal

"Schließ doch bitte mal das Fenster."

Child friendly

"Schließ deine Äuglein, kleiner Schatz."

Slang

"Lass uns die Akte schließen und feiern gehen."

Fun Fact

The word 'Schlüssel' (key) comes directly from the same root as 'schließen.' Historically, you didn't just 'close' a door; you 'slotted' the bolt, which is why the tool to do it is called a 'slotter' or 'Schlüssel.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈʃliːsn̩/

US /ˈʃlisən/

The stress is on the first syllable: SCHLIE-ßen.

Rhymes With

genießen gießen fließen schießen sprießen verdrießen erschießen begießen

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ie' as 'ei' (like 'shine'). Remember: 'ie' is always 'ee'.
Pronouncing 'ß' as a 'z' sound. It should be a voiceless 's'.
Shortening the long 'ie' vowel. It must be held longer than the 'i' in 'sit'.
Treating the 'en' ending too heavily. In natural speech, it's very short.
Confusing the spelling with 'schliessen' (only correct in Switzerland).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in context, but watch for the strong verb forms in literature.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the 'ß' and the irregular past tense forms (schloss, geschlossen).

Speaking 2/5

Common and easy to use, though 'zumachen' is often more natural in casual speech.

Listening 2/5

Clearly pronounced and very common in public announcements.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

die Tür das Fenster machen auf zu

Learn Next

abschließen anschließen der Schluss schließlich folgern

Advanced

schlussfolgern konstatieren verriegeln versiegeln stilllegen

Grammar to Know

Strong Verb Conjugation

schließen -> schloss -> hat geschlossen (Ablautreihe 2b: ie - o - o).

Prepositional Verbs

schließen aus + Dativ (logical conclusion).

Reflexive Verbs

sich schließen (Die Tür schließt sich).

Passive Voice

Die Akte wird geschlossen (Vorgangspassiv).

Imperative Mood

Schließen Sie bitte die Augen! (Formal command).

Examples by Level

Bitte schließen Sie die Tür.

Please close the door.

Imperative form (formal).

Ich schließe das Fenster.

I am closing the window.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

Der Laden schließt um 20 Uhr.

The shop closes at 8 PM.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

Das Restaurant ist heute geschlossen.

The restaurant is closed today.

State passive with 'sein'.

Schließt du bitte das Buch?

Will you please close the book?

Question in present tense.

Wir schließen jetzt die Bibliothek.

We are closing the library now.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

Er schließt seine Augen.

He closes his eyes.

Direct object in accusative.

Die Schule schließt in den Ferien.

The school closes during the holidays.

Present tense.

Gestern schloss er die Garage.

Yesterday he closed the garage.

Präteritum (Simple Past).

Hast du die Haustür geschlossen?

Did you close the front door?

Perfekt (Present Perfect).

Die Tür schließt sich von selbst.

The door closes by itself.

Reflexive use with 'sich'.

Sie schloss die Flasche sehr fest.

She closed the bottle very tightly.

Präteritum.

Wir haben die Koffer geschlossen.

We have closed the suitcases.

Perfekt.

Das Museum hat bereits geschlossen.

The museum has already closed.

Perfekt (intransitive use).

Schließen Sie bitte die Anwendung.

Please close the application.

Formal imperative.

Er schließt die Schublade leise.

He closes the drawer quietly.

Adverb 'leise' modifying the verb.

Wir haben im Urlaub neue Freundschaften geschlossen.

We made new friends during the holiday.

Collocation: Freundschaft schließen.

Was schließen Sie aus diesem Ergebnis?

What do you conclude from this result?

Prepositional verb: schließen aus + Dative.

Die Firma schloss einen Vertrag mit dem Partner.

The company concluded a contract with the partner.

Collocation: einen Vertrag schließen.

Ich schließe daraus, dass wir Hilfe brauchen.

I conclude from that, that we need help.

Pronominal adverb 'daraus'.

Sie müssen die Lücke im Zaun schließen.

You must close the gap in the fence.

Modal verb 'müssen' + infinitive.

Nach dem Streit schlossen sie einen Kompromiss.

After the argument, they reached a compromise.

Collocation: einen Kompromiss schließen.

Die Sitzung wird pünktlich geschlossen.

The meeting will be closed on time.

Passive voice (Vorgangspassiv).

Er hat sie sofort in sein Herz geschlossen.

He grew fond of her immediately.

Idiom: ins Herz schließen.

Die Regierung schloss ein neues Bündnis.

The government formed a new alliance.

Abstract noun 'Bündnis'.

Man darf die Augen vor der Realität nicht schließen.

One must not close one's eyes to reality.

Idiom: die Augen vor etwas schließen.

Die Versicherung wurde für ein Jahr geschlossen.

The insurance was taken out for one year.

Context: taking out insurance/contracts.

Aus den Spuren schloss die Polizei auf den Täter.

From the tracks, the police inferred the perpetrator.

Verb: schließen auf + Accusative (to infer/point to).

Wir sollten die Akte nun endgültig schließen.

We should close the file for good now.

Metaphorical use for ending a case or topic.

Das Werk wurde wegen mangelnder Aufträge geschlossen.

The factory was closed due to a lack of orders.

Passive voice with causal 'wegen'.

Die Ehe wurde im kleinen Kreis geschlossen.

The marriage was concluded in a small circle.

Formal use for marriage.

Er schloss die Rede mit einem Zitat von Goethe.

He closed the speech with a quote from Goethe.

Context: ending a formal presentation.

Mit diesem Kapitel schließt sich der Kreis der Erzählung.

With this chapter, the circle of the narrative closes.

Metaphorical/Literary use.

Es lässt sich daraus schließen, dass die Theorie valide ist.

It can be concluded from this that the theory is valid.

Impersonal construction 'es lässt sich... schließen'.

Die Banken schlossen eine Vereinbarung zur Risikominimierung.

The banks concluded an agreement on risk minimization.

Formal financial context.

Sie schloss die Tür hinter sich, um ungestört zu sein.

She closed the door behind her to be undisturbed.

Final clause with 'um... zu'.

Die Wunde schließt sich langsam nach der Operation.

The wound is slowly closing after the operation.

Medical context, reflexive.

Man kann nicht von sich auf andere schließen.

One cannot judge others by one's own standards.

Fixed idiom: von sich auf andere schließen.

Die Versammlung schloss mit einem feierlichen Appell.

The assembly closed with a solemn appeal.

Formal assembly context.

Er schloss die Augen vor den offensichtlichen Beweisen.

He closed his eyes to the obvious evidence.

Figurative use: ignoring the truth.

Die Abhandlung schließt mit einer kritischen Würdigung.

The treatise concludes with a critical appreciation.

Academic register.

In der Logik schließt man vom Besonderen auf das Allgemeine.

In logic, one infers from the particular to the general.

Philosophical/Logical terminology.

Die Parteien schlossen einen gerichtlichen Vergleich.

The parties reached a judicial settlement.

Legal terminology.

Das Schicksal schloss ihm alle Wege zur Flucht.

Fate closed all paths of escape for him.

Poetic/Literary personification.

Die Reihen schlossen sich angesichts der drohenden Gefahr.

The ranks closed in the face of the imminent danger.

Idiom: die Reihen schließen (unity).

Es ist unzulässig, aus Korrelation auf Kausalität zu schließen.

It is inadmissible to infer causality from correlation.

Scientific/Statistical logic.

Die Pforten des Tempels schlossen sich für immer.

The gates of the temple closed forever.

Archaic/Elevated style.

Sie schloss Frieden mit ihrer turbulenten Vergangenheit.

She made peace with her turbulent past.

Metaphorical peace.

Common Collocations

die Augen schließen

die Tür schließen

Freundschaft schließen

einen Vertrag schließen

eine Lücke schließen

Frieden schließen

einen Kompromiss schließen

aus etwas schließen

ein Geschäft schließen

die Sitzung schließen

Common Phrases

Geschlossen wegen Reichtum

— A humorous sign saying 'Closed due to wealth.' It implies the owner is so rich they don't need to work.

An der alten Kneipe hing ein Schild: Geschlossen wegen Reichtum.

Die Türen schließen!

— A command often heard in trains or buses. It tells passengers that the doors are about to shut.

Der Schaffner rief: 'Bitte zurückbleiben, die Türen schließen!'

Einen Vergleich schließen

— To reach a settlement, especially in a legal dispute. It avoids a full trial.

Die beiden Parteien schlossen vor Gericht einen Vergleich.

Eine Ehe schließen

— The formal way to say 'to get married' or 'to enter into a marriage.'

Sie schlossen die Ehe im Standesamt von Berlin.

Die Akte schließen

— To finish a case or stop dealing with a particular topic. It implies finality.

Wir sollten dieses Thema jetzt ruhen lassen und die Akte schließen.

Eine Versicherung schließen

— To take out or sign an insurance policy. It is a formal business transaction.

Hast du schon eine Haftpflichtversicherung geschlossen?

Die Reihen schließen

— To stand together in unity, especially during a crisis or challenge.

In schwierigen Zeiten muss die Partei die Reihen schließen.

Den Kreis schließen

— To come full circle or complete a narrative arc. It is often used in storytelling.

Mit der Rückkehr in seine Heimat schloss sich der Kreis.

Eine Lücke im Lebenslauf schließen

— To explain or fill a period of unemployment in one's CV. It is a common career tip.

Durch das Praktikum konnte er die Lücke in seinem Lebenslauf schließen.

Die Augen vor der Wahrheit schließen

— To ignore the obvious truth or refuse to acknowledge a problem.

Du darfst nicht länger die Augen vor der Wahrheit schließen.

Often Confused With

schließen vs zumachen

Zumachen is informal; schließen is more formal and precise.

schließen vs abschließen

Abschließen means to lock with a key, not just to shut.

schließen vs beenden

Beenden is used for finishing activities, while schließen is for physical objects or formal sessions.

Idioms & Expressions

"Jemanden ins Herz schließen"

— To become very fond of someone or to start loving them. It implies an emotional bond.

Ich habe die neue Kollegin sofort in mein Herz geschlossen.

informal/warm

"Von sich auf andere schließen"

— To assume that others think or act the same way you do. Often used as a warning.

Nur weil du lügst, solltest du nicht von dir auf andere schließen.

neutral

"Die Augen vor etwas schließen"

— To deliberately ignore a problem or a fact. It suggests avoidance.

Die Politik darf die Augen vor dem Klimawandel nicht schließen.

neutral

"Den Kreis schließen"

— To complete a process so that it returns to the beginning. To come full circle.

Heute schließt sich der Kreis meiner Reise.

literary

"Die Reihen schließen"

— To show solidarity and unity within a group. To stick together.

Die Gewerkschaft muss jetzt die Reihen schließen.

political/journalistic

"Ein Geschäft abschließen"

— While using 'ab-', it's related: to finalize a deal or purchase. Very common in sales.

Wir konnten heute einen großen Verkauf abschließen.

business

"Die Pforten schließen"

— A more dramatic or formal way to say a place is closing, often permanently.

Das Traditionskino musste leider seine Pforten schließen.

elevated/journalistic

"Frieden schließen"

— To end a conflict and agree to be at peace. Can be personal or international.

Nach Jahren des Streits haben die Brüder endlich Frieden geschlossen.

neutral

"Eine Lücke schließen"

— To provide something that was missing. To fill a void.

Dieses neue Produkt schließt eine wichtige Marktlücke.

neutral

"Die Akte schließen"

— To consider a matter finished and not to be discussed further.

Für mich ist die Sache erledigt, wir können die Akte schließen.

neutral

Easily Confused

schließen vs schießen

Similar spelling and sound.

Schießen means 'to shoot.' It has a different vowel sound (though both are 'ie') and a different meaning entirely.

Er schießt ein Tor (He scores a goal) vs. Er schließt das Tor (He closes the gate).

schließen vs schleichen

Starts with 'schl-'.

Schleichen means 'to sneak' or 'to creep.' It is a movement verb.

Die Katze schleicht durch den Garten.

schließen vs schleifen

Starts with 'schl-'.

Schleifen means 'to grind,' 'to polish,' or 'to drag.'

Er schleift das Messer.

schließen vs anschließen

Prefix 'an-' changes the meaning.

Anschließen means 'to connect' or 'to plug in' (e.g., a computer).

Ich muss den Drucker anschließen.

schließen vs aufschließen

Prefix 'auf-' changes the meaning.

Aufschließen means 'to unlock' with a key.

Kannst du bitte die Tür aufschließen?

Sentence Patterns

[Subjekt] schließt [Objekt].

Ich schließe die Tür.

[Subjekt] hat [Objekt] geschlossen.

Er hat das Fenster geschlossen.

[Subjekt] schließt aus [Dativ-Objekt], dass...

Ich schließe aus deinem Blick, dass du hungrig bist.

[Objekt] wird geschlossen.

Der Vertrag wird morgen geschlossen.

Es lässt sich auf [Akkusativ-Objekt] schließen.

Es lässt sich auf einen Fehler schließen.

Mit [Dativ] schließt sich der Kreis.

Mit diesem Sieg schließt sich der Kreis seiner Karriere.

[Subjekt] schließt Freundschaft mit [Dativ].

Sie schloss Freundschaft mit ihrer Nachbarin.

[Subjekt] schließt um [Uhrzeit].

Die Bank schließt um 16 Uhr.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written German.

Common Mistakes

Using 'schließen' for 'to lock' without a prefix. → abschließen
If you use a key, you must use 'abschließen.' 'Schließen' only means to move the door to a shut position.
Saying 'ich schließte' in the past tense. → ich schloss
Schließen is a strong verb and does not take the '-te' ending in the simple past.
Using 'schließen' for 'to finish' a task. → beenden / fertigmachen
You don't 'schließen' homework or a meal. Use 'beenden' for activities.
Forgetting the 'aus' in logical conclusions. → schließen aus
To conclude 'from' something, you must use the preposition 'aus' followed by the dative case.
Spelling it with 'ss' in Germany. → schließen
In Germany and Austria, 'ß' is required after the long 'ie' vowel. 'ss' is only for Switzerland.

Tips

Master the Strong Verb Forms

Always remember the sequence: schließen - schloss - geschlossen. Strong verbs are the backbone of German, and 'schließen' is a very common one. Practice saying 'Ich schloss die Tür' until it feels natural.

Lock vs. Shut

Be careful with 'abschließen.' In English, we often say 'I closed the door' when we mean we locked it. In German, 'schließen' is just the physical act of shutting. If you used a key, always use 'abschließen.'

Formal vs. Informal

Use 'schließen' in written German and 'zumachen' in spoken German for everyday tasks. This will make your German sound more authentic to the context you are in.

Logical Conclusions

Use 'schließen aus' to sound more intelligent and precise. It's a great way to transition from just stating facts to explaining your reasoning in a B1 or B2 level discussion.

Ins Herz schließen

This is a very warm and common idiom. Use it when talking about pets, children, or new friends you really like. It shows a high level of cultural integration.

The Long 'ie'

Make sure to pronounce the 'ie' as a long 'ee' sound. If it's too short, it might be confused with other words. Think of the English word 'sleep' but with a 'sh' at the start.

The Eszett (ß)

Remember that 'schließen' uses 'ß' because the vowel 'ie' is long. In German spelling rules, 'ß' follows long vowels and diphthongs, while 'ss' follows short vowels.

Business Hours

When you see 'Geschlossen' on a shop, it's the past participle of 'schließen.' It's one of the most useful words to know when traveling in Germany.

Making Friends

Don't say 'Freunde machen.' It sounds like you are building them out of clay! Always use 'Freundschaft schließen' or 'sich anfreunden.'

Academic Writing

In essays, 'schließen' is a great verb to use in your conclusion. 'Zusammenfassend lässt sich schließen...' (In summary, it can be concluded...) is a classic academic phrase.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'SLot' where you 'SLide' a bolt to 'SCHLIEßen' the door. The 'ie' in schließen sounds like the 'ee' in 'sealed.'

Visual Association

Imagine a giant golden key (Schlüssel) turning in a lock to 'schließen' a massive treasure chest.

Word Web

Tür Fenster Augen Vertrag Freundschaft Laden Schluss Schlüssel

Challenge

Try to use 'schließen' in three different ways today: once for a physical object, once for a time (shop closing), and once for a logical conclusion.

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle High German 'sliezen' and Old High German 'sliozan.' It shares a common root with the Dutch 'sluiten' and the English word 'slot' or 'slat.'

Original meaning: The original meaning was related to a bolt or a bar used to fasten a door. It described the mechanical action of sliding a piece of wood or metal into a slot.

Germanic branch of the Indo-European language family.

Cultural Context

There are no major sensitivities, but 'schließen' in the context of 'Grenzschließung' (border closing) can be a politically sensitive topic in Europe.

English speakers often use 'close' for everything. In German, remember to use 'zumachen' for casual things and 'abschließen' if you are actually using a key.

The phrase 'Der Kreis schließt sich' is a common motif in German literature and film. Schiller's 'An die Freude' mentions 'Alle Menschen werden Brüder,' which is the ultimate 'Freundschaft schließen.' Public transport announcements in Germany are famous for the phrase 'Die Türen schließen automatisch.'

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Home

Die Tür schließen
Das Fenster schließen
Die Augen schließen
Die Schublade schließen

Shopping

Wann schließen Sie?
Das Geschäft ist geschlossen.
Wir schließen gleich.
Ladenschlusszeiten beachten.

Business

Einen Vertrag schließen
Die Sitzung schließen
Eine Versicherung schließen
Ein Geschäft abschließen

Logic/Thinking

Daraus schließe ich...
Auf etwas schließen
Eine Schlussfolgerung ziehen
Den Kreis schließen

Socializing

Freundschaft schließen
Einen Kompromiss schließen
Frieden schließen
Jemanden ins Herz schließen

Conversation Starters

"Wann schließt eigentlich der Supermarkt hier in der Nähe?"

"Hast du im Urlaub neue Freundschaften mit Einheimischen geschlossen?"

"Was schließen Sie aus der aktuellen politischen Situation in Europa?"

"Sollten wir das Fenster schließen, oder ist es dir warm genug?"

"Wie oft schließt du neue Verträge für dein Unternehmen ab?"

Journal Prompts

Beschreibe einen Moment, in dem du eine neue Freundschaft geschlossen hast. Wie war das Gefühl?

Welche Schlüsse ziehst du aus deinen Erfahrungen im letzten Jahr? Was hast du gelernt?

Denke an ein Geschäft, das für immer geschlossen wurde. Was vermisst du an diesem Ort?

Warum ist es manchmal wichtig, die Augen vor kleinen Fehlern anderer zu schließen?

Schreibe über einen Vertrag oder eine Vereinbarung, die du vor kurzem geschlossen hast.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Not exactly. While both mean 'to close,' 'zumachen' is much more informal and common in everyday spoken German. 'Schließen' is more formal and is the standard word used in writing, signs, and professional contexts. For example, you would say 'Mach die Tür zu' to a friend, but a sign in a museum would say 'Bitte die Tür schließen.'

To say 'to lock' with a key, you should use 'abschließen.' 'Schließen' only means to shut or close. If you say 'Ich habe die Tür geschlossen,' it might still be unlocked. To be clear that it is locked, say 'Ich habe die Tür abgeschlossen.'

This is a logical expression meaning 'to conclude from' or 'to infer from.' It is used when you reach a conclusion based on evidence. For example, 'Aus den dunklen Wolken schließe ich, dass es bald regnen wird' (From the dark clouds, I conclude that it will rain soon).

It is a strong (irregular) verb. This means its stem vowel changes in the past tense. The forms are: schließen (present), schloss (simple past), and hat geschlossen (present perfect). You must memorize these forms as they don't follow the regular '-te' pattern.

No, that would sound strange. For finishing tasks or activities, you should use 'beenden' or 'fertigmachen.' 'Schließen' is used for physical objects, formal meetings, or business agreements, but not for completing chores or homework.

'Schließen' implies bringing two parts together to block an opening or ending a formal session. 'Beenden' is a more general term for stopping or finishing any activity, like a phone call, a movie, or a career. You 'schließen' a door, but you 'beenden' a conversation.

In Switzerland and Liechtenstein, the letter 'ß' is not used. Therefore, they spell it 'schliessen' with a double 's.' In Germany and Austria, 'schließen' with 'ß' is the only correct spelling.

It is the standard German idiom for 'to make friends.' Unlike English, which uses 'make,' German uses 'close,' implying the formation of a solid, finalized bond between people.

Yes, 'sich schließen' is used when something closes on its own. For example, 'Die Tür schließt sich automatisch' (The door closes automatically). It describes the action from the perspective of the object itself.

Common related nouns include 'der Schluss' (the end/conclusion), 'der Schlüssel' (the key), 'der Abschluss' (the completion/graduation), and 'die Schließung' (the closing/shutdown of a business or building).