In German
schließen
Meaning: to close
Formal or informal? “Schließen” is the verb to close, shut or lock. The adjective “geschlossen” means closed, as in “der Laden ist geschlossen”.
Example sentences
Bitte schließ die Tür.
Please close the door.
Der Laden schließt um acht Uhr.
The shop closes at eight o'clock.
Ich schließe das Fenster.
I close the window.
Grammar note
Present tense: ich schließe, du schließt, er schließt, wir schließen. The ß is written and stays in the du and er forms.
Common mistake
Write “schließt” with ß, not “schliesst” with ss, in standard German. Also don't confuse “schließen” (to close) with “schlafen” (to sleep).
Quick check
Which form is correct for “he closes” (er)?
More words on this topic
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Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
How do you say “the shop is closed”?
“Der Laden ist geschlossen”.
What is the imperative for informal “close the door”?
“Schließ die Tür”, dropping the -t.