verb
to open, to inaugurate
B1
Means 'to open' or 'to inaugurate' (e.g. eine Ausstellung eröffnen). Transitive verb often for events or openings. Regular weak verb with participle 'eröffnet', uses auxiliary 'haben'. Non‑reflexive and non‑separable. Can appear in passive constructions (wird eröffnet). No fixed preposition required.
Examples
Die Bank eröffnete eine neue Filiale.
The bank opened a new branch.
Ich habe ein Konto eröffnet.
I have opened an account.
Wir eröffnen morgen das neue Café.
We're opening the new café tomorrow.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture cutting a ribbon at an event — that's 'eröffnen' (inaugurate/open)
sounds like 'air-urf-nen' — imagine lifting a curtain to 'open' something
Notes
Regular weak verb, inseparable prefix 'er-'. Common in contexts of opening shops, events, and ceremonies.