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A1 verb #1,200 mais comum 11 min de leitura

öffnen

Top 1,200

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas öffnen em 30 segundos

Explicação öffnen in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'öffnen' is one of the first verbs you learn for daily life. It is primarily used for physical actions like opening a door (die Tür öffnen), a window (das Fenster öffnen), or a book (das Buch öffnen). You will also see it in simple digital contexts, like opening an email or a file. The focus at this level is on the present tense conjugation (ich öffne, du öffnest, er öffnet) and understanding that it takes a direct object in the accusative case. You should also learn to distinguish it from the adjective 'offen' (open). For example, 'Ich öffne die Tür' (action) versus 'Die Tür ist offen' (state). This distinction is vital for basic communication and avoids common beginner errors. You will encounter 'öffnen' on signs in public places, such as 'Drücken zum Öffnen' (Press to open) on doors. It is a regular verb, making it easy to memorize, but remember the extra 'e' in 'du öffnest' and 'er öffnet' for easier pronunciation.

As you move to the A2 level, you start using 'öffnen' in more varied tenses and sentence structures. You will learn the perfect tense (hat geöffnet) and the simple past (öffnete), although the perfect tense is much more common in spoken German. You will also begin to see 'öffnen' in more complex instructions, such as 'Öffnen Sie die Packung vorsichtig' (Open the package carefully). At this stage, you should also become familiar with the informal alternative 'aufmachen' and understand that 'öffnen' is slightly more formal. You might also encounter the reflexive use 'sich öffnen' in simple contexts, like 'Die Tür öffnet sich automatisch' (The door opens automatically). You will start to use 'öffnen' with modal verbs, which requires placing the infinitive at the end of the sentence: 'Kannst du bitte das Fenster öffnen?' (Can you please open the window?). This level also introduces more digital vocabulary, where 'öffnen' is used for folders, programs, and browser tabs.

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At the B1 level, your use of 'öffnen' becomes more nuanced and extends into metaphorical and professional contexts. You will learn to use 'öffnen' to describe the opening of a discussion, a meeting, or a debate. You will also encounter the related verb 'eröffnen', which is used for the formal start of things like bank accounts or business operations. At this level, you should be comfortable using 'öffnen' in all tenses, including the subjunctive II for polite requests: 'Würden Sie bitte die Tür öffnen?' (Would you please open the door?). You will also see 'öffnen' in idiomatic expressions, such as 'jemandem die Augen öffnen' (to open someone's eyes to the truth). The reflexive use 'sich öffnen' becomes more common when talking about people opening up emotionally: 'Er hat sich mir gegenüber endlich geöffnet' (He finally opened up to me). You will also encounter 'öffnen' in more formal written German, such as in news reports or business emails, where it is preferred over the more colloquial 'aufmachen'.

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At the B2 level, you explore the stylistic differences between 'öffnen' and its synonyms in depth. You will understand when to use 'öffnen' versus 'aufmachen', 'aufschließen', or 'eröffnen' based on the register and the specific nature of the object. You will encounter 'öffnen' in more abstract and academic contexts, such as 'den Weg für etwas öffnen' (to pave the way for something). Your understanding of the reflexive 'sich öffnen' will expand to include social and economic contexts, like 'Der Markt öffnet sich für neue Investoren' (The market is opening up for new investors). You will also be expected to use the passive voice with 'öffnen': 'Die Türen werden um acht Uhr geöffnet' (The doors are opened at eight o'clock). At this level, you should also be aware of the noun 'Öffnung' (opening) and how it is used in technical or political discussions. You will be able to discuss the implications of 'opening' something in a broader sense, such as opening borders or opening a dialogue between conflicting parties.

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At the C1 level, 'öffnen' is used with high precision in sophisticated discourse. You will recognize its use in literature and high-level journalism to create specific atmospheres or to describe complex societal shifts. You will understand the subtle difference between 'öffnen' and 'erschließen' (to open up/develop) in contexts like urban planning or academic research. You will be able to use 'öffnen' in complex grammatical structures, including extended adjective phrases: 'die weit geöffneten Tore der Fabrik' (the wide-open gates of the factory). You will also explore the use of 'öffnen' in philosophical or psychological contexts, discussing the 'opening' of the mind or the 'opening' of a soul. At this level, you are expected to have a perfect command of the verb's conjugation, including its less common forms, and to be able to use it interchangeably with more specific verbs like 'entriegeln' or 'aufbrechen' to achieve a particular rhetorical effect. You will also be familiar with the historical etymology of the word and how it relates to other Germanic languages.

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At the C2 level, you have a native-like command of 'öffnen' and all its nuances. You can use it in any context, from the most mundane daily task to the most abstract philosophical treatise. You will appreciate the rhythmic and phonetic qualities of the word in poetry and prose. You will be able to identify and use rare or archaic forms of the verb if the context requires it. Your understanding of 'öffnen' includes its role in various dialects and regional variations of German, although the verb itself is standard. You can engage in deep discussions about the 'opening' of political systems, the 'opening' of scientific frontiers, or the 'opening' of artistic movements, using 'öffnen' and its derivatives with absolute precision. You will also be able to play with the word in puns or creative writing, leveraging its multiple meanings and associations. At this level, 'öffnen' is no longer just a vocabulary item but a versatile tool for expressing complex ideas with clarity and elegance.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

öffnen em 30 segundos

Öffnen means to open something physical like a door or digital like a file.
It is a regular verb but adds an 'e' in some conjugations for easier pronunciation.
It is slightly more formal than the common everyday verb 'aufmachen'.
It requires the accusative case for the object that is being opened.

The German verb öffnen is a cornerstone of daily communication, primarily serving to describe the action of making something accessible or unfastening a closure. At the beginner level, English speakers encounter this word most frequently in the context of physical objects. Whether you are entering a room, accessing a container, or starting a digital application, öffnen is the standard, slightly more formal term compared to its common counterpart aufmachen. Understanding the nuances of öffnen requires looking at its versatility across physical, digital, and metaphorical domains. In a physical sense, it is used for doors, windows, bottles, and boxes. In the digital realm, it is the universal command for launching programs or viewing files. Metaphorically, it can describe the beginning of an event or the revealing of a secret, though these uses often lean toward the related verb eröffnen.

Physical Accessibility: This refers to the act of moving a physical barrier. For example, when you use a key to unlock a door or simply push a door that is ajar, you are performing the action of öffnen. It implies a transition from a state of being closed or sealed to a state of being open.

Kannst du bitte das Fenster öffnen?

Digital Interaction: In the modern world, öffnen is the standard term for interacting with software. You open a document, a folder, or a browser tab. It is the direct equivalent of the English command 'Open'.

Ich muss die Datei öffnen, um den Text zu lesen.

Furthermore, öffnen carries a sense of intentionality. It is an active process. When a shop 'opens' for business, the verb describes the transition of the establishment into an active state. This word is essential for navigating public life in Germany, appearing on signs, in manuals, and in polite requests. It is a weak verb, meaning its conjugation follows a regular pattern, which makes it one of the most accessible verbs for new learners to master early in their journey through the German language.

Formal Contexts: In literature or formal speeches, öffnen is used to describe grander gestures, such as opening one's heart or opening a ceremony, though 'eröffnen' is more common for the latter. It provides a level of sophistication that 'aufmachen' lacks.

Der Präsident wird die Versammlung öffnen.

Er möchte die Flasche Wein öffnen.

Wir öffnen das Geschenk gemeinsam.

Using öffnen correctly in a sentence involves understanding its conjugation and its relationship with the accusative case. As a regular (weak) verb, its stem 'öffn-' remains consistent, but because the stem ends in '-n' preceded by a consonant, an extra '-e-' is inserted before certain endings to make it pronounceable. For example, 'du öffnest' and 'er öffnet'. This is a crucial phonetic detail for English speakers to master. In the present tense, the verb follows the standard pattern: ich öffne, du öffnest, er/sie/es öffnet, wir öffnen, ihr öffnet, sie/Sie öffnen. In the perfect tense, it uses the auxiliary verb 'haben' and the past participle 'geöffnet'.

Direct Objects and the Accusative: Because öffnen is a transitive verb, the thing being opened must be in the accusative case. For masculine nouns, this means the article changes from 'der' to 'den'. For example, 'Ich öffne den Schrank' (I open the cupboard).

Sie öffnet den Brief mit einem Messer.

Reflexive Usage: Sometimes öffnen is used reflexively with 'sich' to describe something opening on its own or a person opening up emotionally. For example, 'Die Tür öffnet sich' (The door opens/is opening).

Plötzlich öffnete sich das Tor von selbst.

In more advanced sentence structures, öffnen can be paired with modal verbs. When used with 'können', 'müssen', or 'wollen', the infinitive öffnen moves to the very end of the sentence. This word order is a classic feature of German syntax that learners must practice. For instance, 'Ich will die Dose öffnen' (I want to open the can). Here, 'will' is conjugated in the second position, and 'öffnen' stays at the end. This pattern remains consistent across all modal verb constructions and in subordinate clauses where the conjugated verb moves to the end, pushing öffnen into a complex verbal bracket.

Temporal Usage: When talking about business hours, you might say 'Das Geschäft öffnet um neun Uhr'. This uses the verb in an intransitive-like way to indicate the start of operations.

Wann öffnen die Museen am Sonntag?

Er hat die Augen weit geöffnet.

Wir sollten die Fenster öffnen, um zu lüften.

In the German-speaking world, öffnen is ubiquitous. You will hear it in public announcements, see it on digital interfaces, and encounter it in every retail environment. On public transport, specifically the U-Bahn or S-Bahn, automated voices often announce which side the doors will open on: 'Ausstieg in Fahrtrichtung links. Bitte die Türen automatisch öffnen lassen.' This formal usage reinforces the verb's role in official communication. In a supermarket, if a new checkout line is about to be made available, the cashier might announce, 'Wir öffnen eine weitere Kasse für Sie,' signaling a change in the environment to accommodate customers.

Public Service Announcements: In train stations or airports, announcements regarding the opening of gates or boarding areas will always use öffnen. It conveys a sense of official procedure.

Die Türen öffnen automatisch.

In the Kitchen and Home: While 'aufmachen' is common at home, öffnen appears on packaging. Instructions like 'Hier öffnen' (Open here) are found on everything from milk cartons to delivery boxes.

Bitte die Packung vorsichtig öffnen.

In a digital context, every German-language operating system uses öffnen as the primary verb for file management. If you right-click a file, the first option is usually 'Öffnen'. In web browsers, 'In neuem Tab öffnen' (Open in new tab) is a phrase you will see dozens of times a day. This digital saturation makes the verb one of the first that learners internalize through passive exposure. Furthermore, in news reports, you might hear about 'Märkte, die öffnen' (markets that open) or 'Grenzen, die geöffnet werden' (borders being opened), placing the verb in a socio-political context that extends far beyond simple household chores.

Educational Settings: Teachers frequently say, 'Öffnen Sie bitte Ihre Bücher auf Seite 42.' This command is a staple of the classroom environment.

Können Sie die Datei im Anhang öffnen?

Das Museum öffnet erst am Nachmittag.

Wir öffnen jetzt die Diskussion für Fragen.

For English speakers, the most common pitfall when using öffnen is confusing it with the adjective 'offen' (open) or the colloquial verb 'aufmachen'. While English uses the word 'open' as both a verb and an adjective, German makes a strict distinction. You cannot say 'Die Tür ist öffnen' to mean 'The door is open'; you must say 'Die Tür ist offen'. Similarly, learners often forget the extra '-e-' in the conjugation of öffnen. Writing 'du öffnst' instead of 'du öffnest' is a frequent spelling error. This extra vowel is necessary because the combination of 'f', 'n', and 'st' is difficult to pronounce in German without a vocalic cushion.

Confusion with 'Aufmachen': Learners often use öffnen in situations where 'aufmachen' is more natural. While not grammatically wrong, saying 'Ich öffne das Fenster' in a casual conversation with friends can sound slightly stiff. 'Ich mache das Fenster auf' is the more common everyday choice.

Falsch: Die Tür ist öffnen. Richtig: Die Tür ist offen.

Misusing 'Eröffnen': English speakers often use öffnen when they should use 'eröffnen'. 'Eröffnen' is specifically for the formal start of something, like a bank account, a gallery, or a season. You don't just 'open' a bank account with öffnen; you 'eröffnen' it.

Ich öffne das Licht. (Wrong! Use 'mache an')

Furthermore, the reflexive use can be tricky. Beginners might say 'Die Tür öffnet' when they mean 'The door is opening (by itself)'. In German, this requires the reflexive pronoun: 'Die Tür öffnet sich'. Without 'sich', the sentence feels incomplete because the listener expects to hear *what* the door is opening. Lastly, pay attention to the past participle. Some learners mistakenly say 'geöffnen' instead of the correct 'geöffnet'. Since it is a weak verb, it must end in '-t' in its past participle form. Mastering these small distinctions will significantly improve your fluency and make your German sound much more natural to native speakers.

Case Errors: Always remember the accusative. 'Ich öffne der Brief' is wrong; it must be 'den Brief'. The object being opened is receiving the action directly.

Er öffnet die Dose. (Correct accusative usage)

Wir öffnen das Fenster. (Not 'der Fenster')

Hast du die E-Mail geöffnet?

In German, the concept of 'opening' is split across several verbs, each with its own specific context and register. While öffnen is the standard, versatile term, knowing its alternatives will help you sound more like a native speaker. The most frequent alternative is aufmachen. This is a separable verb used in almost all casual, everyday situations. If you are at home with family, you would almost always say 'Mach bitte die Tür auf' rather than 'Öffne bitte die Tür'. Another important distinction is aufschließen, which specifically means to open something using a key. If a door is locked, you don't just 'öffnen' it; you must 'aufschließen' it first.

Öffnen vs. Aufmachen: Öffnen is more formal and often used in writing or official instructions. Aufmachen is the colloquial choice for physical objects like doors, windows, and bags.

Ich muss die Tür aufschließen, weil sie abgeschlossen ist.

Specialized Verbs: For specific objects, German has even more precise verbs. For example, aufbrechen can mean to force something open (like a lock) or to set off on a journey. Entriegeln means to unlatch or unlock a mechanism.

Die Galerie wird morgen eröffnet.

When dealing with digital content, öffnen is the standard, but you might also encounter aufrufen (to call up/access) for websites or specific data entries. In a more abstract sense, erschließen is used when 'opening up' a new market, a territory, or a difficult text for understanding. It implies a process of making something usable or comprehensible that was previously inaccessible. Understanding these shades of meaning allows you to choose the word that fits the level of formality and the specific nature of the action you are describing. While öffnen will get you through most situations, these alternatives provide the precision that characterizes high-level German proficiency.

Antonyms to Consider: To fully grasp öffnen, you should also know its opposites: schließen (to close - formal) and zumachen (to close - informal).

Können Sie die Datei bitte aufrufen?

Wir öffnen das Buch auf Seite zehn.

Er öffnete den Briefumschlag vorsichtig.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The word 'öffnen' and the English 'open' share the same ancient root, which is why they look and sound somewhat similar.

Guia de pronúncia

UK ˈœfnən

US ˈœfnən

The stress is on the first syllable: ÖFF-nen.

Rima com

können nennen rennen brennen trennen

Erros comuns

Pronouncing the 'ö' like a simple 'o'.
Forgetting the 'e' in 'öffnest' or 'öffnet'.
Pronouncing the 'f' and 'n' as separate syllables.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text due to similarity to English 'open'.

Escrita 2/5

The extra 'e' in conjugation and the 'ö' umlaut require attention.

Expressão oral 2/5

The 'ö' sound and the 'fn' cluster can be tricky for beginners.

Audição 1/5

Distinctive sound makes it easy to identify in speech.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

offen machen die Tür das Fenster

Aprenda a seguir

schließen aufmachen eröffnen aufschließen

Avançado

erschließen offenbaren entriegeln

Gramática essencial

Weak Verb Conjugation

ich öffne, du öffnest, er öffnet

Accusative Case for Direct Objects

Ich öffne den (masculine) Schrank.

Modal Verb Word Order

Ich kann die Tür öffnen.

Reflexive Verbs

Die Tür öffnet sich.

Imperative Mood

Öffnen Sie bitte!

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Exemplos por nível

Ich öffne die Tür.

I open the door.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

Kannst du das Fenster öffnen?

Can you open the window?

Modal verb 'können' + infinitive 'öffnen' at the end.

Er öffnet das Buch.

He opens the book.

Present tense, 3rd person singular with extra 'e'.

Bitte öffnen Sie die Tasche.

Please open the bag.

Formal imperative form.

Wir öffnen das Geschenk.

We open the gift.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

Öffne den Mund!

Open your mouth!

Informal singular imperative.

Sie öffnet die Flasche.

She opens the bottle.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

Öffnet ihr die Fenster?

Are you (plural) opening the windows?

Present tense, 2nd person plural.

Ich habe die E-Mail geöffnet.

I opened the email.

Perfect tense with 'haben' and 'geöffnet'.

Er öffnete die Dose mit einem Öffner.

He opened the can with an opener.

Simple past tense 'öffnete'.

Die Tür öffnet sich automatisch.

The door opens automatically.

Reflexive use with 'sich'.

Wann öffnet der Supermarkt?

When does the supermarket open?

Intransitive use for business hours.

Sie müssen die Datei zuerst öffnen.

You must open the file first.

Modal verb 'müssen' + infinitive.

Ich wollte den Brief nicht öffnen.

I didn't want to open the letter.

Modal verb in simple past + infinitive.

Öffnen Sie bitte Ihre Bücher auf Seite zehn.

Please open your books to page ten.

Formal imperative with preposition 'auf'.

Das Museum hat heute nicht geöffnet.

The museum is not open today.

Perfect tense used to describe a state.

Er hat mir endlich sein Herz geöffnet.

He finally opened his heart to me.

Figurative use in the perfect tense.

Würden Sie bitte die Vorhänge öffnen?

Would you please open the curtains?

Subjunctive II for a polite request.

Die Diskussion wurde vom Leiter geöffnet.

The discussion was opened by the leader.

Passive voice construction.

Dieser Film hat mir die Augen geöffnet.

This movie opened my eyes.

Idiomatic expression 'jemandem die Augen öffnen'.

Wir sollten ein neues Kapitel öffnen.

We should open a new chapter.

Metaphorical use meaning a new beginning.

Sie öffnet sich nur selten Fremden gegenüber.

She rarely opens up to strangers.

Reflexive use 'sich öffnen' for emotional state.

Können Sie den Anhang in der E-Mail öffnen?

Can you open the attachment in the email?

Digital context with modal verb.

Der Laden öffnet erst am späten Nachmittag.

The shop doesn't open until late afternoon.

Usage with 'erst' to indicate time.

Die Regierung plant, die Grenzen zu öffnen.

The government plans to open the borders.

Infinitive construction with 'zu'.

Diese Entdeckung öffnet neue Horizonte.

This discovery opens new horizons.

Abstract/metaphorical usage.

Nach dem Klopfen öffnete niemand die Tür.

After the knocking, nobody opened the door.

Simple past with a temporal prepositional phrase.

Es ist wichtig, sich für neue Ideen zu öffnen.

It is important to open oneself to new ideas.

Reflexive infinitive with 'zu'.

Die Datei lässt sich nicht öffnen.

The file cannot be opened.

'lassen sich' + infinitive as a passive substitute.

Er öffnete den Safe mit der richtigen Kombination.

He opened the safe with the right combination.

Specific physical action in simple past.

Wir müssen den Markt für Konkurrenten öffnen.

We must open the market for competitors.

Economic context with modal verb.

Die Blumen öffnen ihre Blüten am Morgen.

The flowers open their blossoms in the morning.

Natural process description.

Die Reformen öffneten den Weg für den Fortschritt.

The reforms opened the way for progress.

Metaphorical use in historical/political context.

Er öffnete die Sitzung mit einer kurzen Rede.

He opened the meeting with a short speech.

Formal procedural usage.

Das Buch öffnet dem Leser eine völlig neue Welt.

The book opens a completely new world to the reader.

Dative object 'dem Leser' + accusative object 'eine Welt'.

Sie öffnete die Schatulle mit zitternden Händen.

She opened the casket with trembling hands.

Descriptive simple past with adverbial phrase.

Man muss die Augen vor der Realität nicht öffnen.

One must not open one's eyes to reality.

Negated idiomatic expression.

Die Tore wurden für die Besucher weit geöffnet.

The gates were opened wide for the visitors.

Passive voice with an adverb 'weit'.

Diese Maßnahmen öffnen Tür und Tor für Missbrauch.

These measures open the door to abuse.

Idiomatic expression 'Tür und Tor öffnen'.

Er hat sich den philosophischen Fragen geöffnet.

He has opened himself to philosophical questions.

Reflexive perfect tense with dative object.

Die Dichtung öffnet Räume der Transzendenz.

Poetry opens spaces of transcendence.

Highly abstract/literary usage.

Das Ereignis öffnete eine tiefe Kluft in der Gesellschaft.

The event opened a deep rift in society.

Metaphorical usage for social conflict.

Sie öffnete die versiegelten Dokumente erst nach Jahren.

She opened the sealed documents only after years.

Descriptive usage with specific adjectives.

Die Architektur öffnet sich zum Garten hin.

The architecture opens up toward the garden.

Reflexive usage in architectural description.

Er öffnete die Schleusen der Kritik.

He opened the floodgates of criticism.

Idiomatic/metaphorical expression.

Die Wissenschaft öffnet uns den Blick auf das Unsichtbare.

Science opens our view to the invisible.

Abstract usage with dative 'uns'.

Das Schicksal öffnete ihm eine unerwartete Tür.

Fate opened an unexpected door for him.

Personification and metaphorical usage.

Wir müssen die Archive für die Forschung öffnen.

We must open the archives for research.

Formal/institutional usage.

Colocações comuns

die Tür öffnen

das Fenster öffnen

eine Datei öffnen

ein Konto öffnen

die Augen öffnen

den Mund öffnen

ein Fass öffnen

die Grenzen öffnen

eine Flasche öffnen

das Herz öffnen

Frases Comuns

Hier öffnen

— Instruction found on packaging.

Hier öffnen, um die Packung zu leeren.

Die Tür öffnen

— The act of letting someone in.

Wer wird die Tür öffnen?

Ein Fenster öffnen

— To let fresh air in.

Wir müssen mal das Fenster öffnen.

E-Mail öffnen

— To read an electronic message.

Hast du meine E-Mail geöffnet?

Mund weit öffnen

— Common instruction at the dentist.

Bitte den Mund weit öffnen.

Die Augen öffnen

— To realize the truth.

Das wird ihm die Augen öffnen.

Ein Paket öffnen

— To unwrap a delivery.

Ich darf das Paket erst morgen öffnen.

Den Reißverschluss öffnen

— To unzip something.

Kannst du mir den Reißverschluss öffnen?

Die Sitzung öffnen

— To start a formal meeting.

Der Vorsitzende öffnet die Sitzung.

Einen Tab öffnen

— To open a new browser tab.

Öffne bitte einen neuen Tab.

Frequentemente confundido com

öffnen vs offen

'Offen' is an adjective (open), 'öffnen' is a verb (to open).

öffnen vs aufmachen

'Aufmachen' is more casual and common in speech.

öffnen vs eröffnen

'Eröffnen' is for the first-time start of something formal.

Expressões idiomáticas

"jemandem die Augen öffnen"

— To make someone realize the truth about a situation.

Dieses Gespräch hat mir endlich die Augen geöffnet.

neutral

"Tür und Tor öffnen"

— To make something very easy or to allow something to happen freely (often negative).

Diese Gesetze öffnen dem Betrug Tür und Tor.

formal

"ein Fass öffnen"

— To start a big discussion or cause a scene (metaphorical).

Wir sollten jetzt nicht dieses Fass öffnen.

informal

"sein Herz öffnen"

— To share one's deepest feelings with someone.

Er konnte sich ihr gegenüber endlich sein Herz öffnen.

literary

"die Schleusen öffnen"

— To release a large amount of something (emotions, water, etc.).

Nach der Nachricht öffneten sich die Schleusen ihrer Tränen.

literary

"den Weg öffnen"

— To make progress possible.

Die neue Technologie öffnet den Weg für Innovationen.

formal

"eine neue Welt öffnen"

— To introduce someone to something completely new and exciting.

Das Studium hat mir eine neue Welt geöffnet.

neutral

"die Büchse der Pandora öffnen"

— To do something that causes many unforeseen problems.

Mit dieser Entscheidung haben sie die Büchse der Pandora geöffnet.

literary

"jemandem die Tür öffnen"

— To give someone an opportunity.

Sein Onkel hat ihm die Tür zur Firma geöffnet.

neutral

"sich jemandem öffnen"

— To trust someone and talk about personal things.

Es dauert lange, bis sie sich jemandem öffnet.

neutral

Fácil de confundir

öffnen vs anmachen

English uses 'open' for lights/TVs.

'Anmachen' is for electronics; 'öffnen' is for physical barriers.

Ich mache das Licht an (not öffne).

öffnen vs aufschließen

Both involve opening a door.

'Aufschließen' specifically requires a key.

Ich schließe die Tür auf.

öffnen vs lösen

Can mean 'to open' a knot.

'Lösen' is to loosen or solve; 'öffnen' is to make accessible.

Ich löse den Knoten.

öffnen vs erklären

Sometimes 'opening up' a topic.

'Erklären' is to explain; 'öffnen' is the physical/formal start.

Ich erkläre das Problem.

öffnen vs auspacken

Opening a gift or suitcase.

'Auspacken' is to unpack; 'öffnen' is the initial act of opening the box.

Ich packe den Koffer aus.

Padrões de frases

Subject + öffnen + Object (Accusative)

Ich öffne die Tür.

Imperative + Object

Öffne das Fenster!

Subject + haben + Object + geöffnet

Er hat den Brief geöffnet.

Subject + modal verb + Object + öffnen

Wir müssen die Dose öffnen.

Subject + reflexive pronoun + öffnen

Sie öffnet sich langsam.

Subject + dative + die Augen + öffnen

Das hat mir die Augen geöffnet.

Object + werden + geöffnet

Die Tür wird geöffnet.

Subject + öffnen + den Weg + für + Object

Die Reformen öffnen den Weg für Fortschritt.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

die Öffnung (opening)

der Öffner (opener)

die Offenheit (openness)

Verbos

eröffnen (to inaugurate)

aufmachen (to open - informal)

aufschließen (to unlock)

Adjetivos

offen (open)

öffentlich (public)

offenbar (obvious)

Relacionado

die Türöffnung

der Dosenöffner

die Eröffnung

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Como usar

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written German.

Erros comuns

Ich öffne das Licht. → Ich mache das Licht an.
'Öffnen' is not used for electronic devices. Use 'anmachen' or 'einschalten'.
Die Tür ist öffnen. → Die Tür ist offen.
'Öffnen' is the verb (action); 'offen' is the adjective (state).
Du öffnst die Tür. → Du öffnest die Tür.
An extra 'e' is needed for pronunciation because the stem ends in 'n'.
Ich habe die Tür geöffnen. → Ich habe die Tür geöffnet.
The past participle of a weak verb like 'öffnen' ends in 't', not 'en'.
Ich öffne der Brief. → Ich öffne den Brief.
The object must be in the accusative case. 'Brief' is masculine, so 'der' becomes 'den'.

Dicas

The Extra 'e'

Always remember to add an 'e' before the endings '-st' and '-t' (du öffnest, er öffnet). This is a rule for verbs whose stems end in 'n' or 'm' preceded by a consonant.

Use 'aufschließen' for keys

If you are using a key to open a door, the most precise verb is 'aufschließen', not just 'öffnen'.

Formal vs Informal

Use 'öffnen' in emails and 'aufmachen' when talking to your friends to sound more natural.

Don't 'open' the light

Never say 'das Licht öffnen'. Use 'das Licht anmachen' or 'einschalten'.

Software standard

If you change your phone or computer language to German, you will see 'öffnen' everywhere. It's a great way to practice!

The 'ö' sound

To get the 'ö' right, say 'eh' and then round your lips as if you were going to say 'oh'.

Lüften culture

In Germany, people open windows ('lüften') several times a day for fresh air. You will hear 'Fenster öffnen' very often!

Past Participle

The past participle is 'geöffnet'. Don't forget the 't' at the end, as it is a weak verb.

Eye opener

'Das hat mir die Augen geöffnet' is a very common and useful phrase for when you learn something new.

Opposites attract

Learn 'öffnen' and 'schließen' together as a pair to help them stick in your memory.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'OFF-nen'. When you open something, the lid comes OFF.

Associação visual

Imagine a giant 'Ö' with two dots like eyes looking at an open door.

Word Web

Tür Fenster Datei E-Mail Mund Buch Flasche Konto

Desafio

Try to use 'öffnen' in three different contexts today: physical, digital, and a polite request.

Origem da palavra

Derived from the Old High German word 'offonon', which comes from the adjective 'offan' (open).

Significado original: To make open or to reveal.

Germanic, related to the English word 'open'.

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities, but 'sich öffnen' (to open up) should be used carefully in personal contexts.

English speakers often use 'open' for lights/TVs, but in German, you must use 'anmachen'.

'Sesam, öffne dich!' (Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves) 'Öffne die Augen' (Common movie trope)

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

At the doctor

Bitte öffnen Sie den Mund.
Können Sie die Augen weit öffnen?

At home

Soll ich das Fenster öffnen?
Ich kann die Flasche nicht öffnen.

At work

Ich öffne die Datei jetzt.
Können wir die Sitzung öffnen?

Shopping

Wann öffnen Sie morgen?
Die Kasse wird gleich geöffnet.

Digital

Link in neuem Tab öffnen.
Datei öffnen mit...

Iniciadores de conversa

"Wann öffnen die Geschäfte hier normalerweise?"

"Kannst du mir helfen, diese Dose zu öffnen?"

"Hast du die Nachricht schon geöffnet?"

"Soll ich das Fenster öffnen oder ist es zu kalt?"

"Wie öffnet man diese App auf dem Handy?"

Temas para diário

Was war das letzte Geschenk, das du geöffnet hast?

Beschreibe, wie du morgens dein Fenster öffnest.

Wann hast du jemandem zum letzten Mal dein Herz geöffnet?

Welche Datei musst du jeden Tag bei der Arbeit öffnen?

Wie fühlst du dich, wenn du eine neue Welt durch ein Buch öffnest?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Yes, 'öffnen' is a regular (weak) verb. However, because its stem ends in '-n', an extra '-e-' is added in the 'du' and 'er/sie/es' forms (du öffnest, er öffnet) to make it easier to pronounce.

'Öffnen' is more formal and is often used in writing, instructions, or digital contexts. 'Aufmachen' is the common, everyday word used in spoken German for physical objects like doors or bags.

No, in German you use 'anmachen' or 'einschalten' for lights, TVs, and other electronic devices. 'Öffnen' is only for things with physical or digital lids, doors, or covers.

You say 'Die Tür ist offen'. Use the adjective 'offen' to describe the state. 'Öffnen' is only for the action of opening.

'Öffnen' is a transitive verb and takes the accusative case for its direct object. For example: 'Ich öffne den (accusative) Schrank'.

It uses the auxiliary verb 'haben' and the past participle 'geöffnet'. Example: 'Ich habe die Tür geöffnet'.

It can mean something opening by itself (e.g., an automatic door) or a person opening up emotionally to someone else.

Use 'eröffnen' for the formal start of something, like opening a bank account, a new shop, a gallery, or a formal meeting.

Yes, it is the standard word for opening files, folders, programs, and browser tabs in German software.

Common idioms include 'jemandem die Augen öffnen' (to make someone see the truth) and 'Tür und Tor öffnen' (to make something very easy to happen).

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