verb
to close
A1
schließen means 'to close' (shut) and 'to conclude' (finish). Strong irregular verb using auxiliary haben. Present stem shows umlaut (schließ- in 2nd/3rd singular: du schließt, er schließt); preterite is 'schloss'. Non‑reflexive, inseparable; no special prepositions commonly required for core meanings.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.EXAMPLES
Ich habe den Laden geschlossen.
I closed the shop.
Sie schloss das Fenster.
She closed the window.
Der Laden schloss früher als geplant, weil viele Mitarbeiter krank waren.
The shop closed earlier than planned because many employees were ill.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.DETAILS_LABEL
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.MNEMONICS
Picture closing a door and the caption 'schließen' appearing on the latch.
Schließen sounds like 'slee-sen' — think pulling something shut (close).
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.NOTES
Irregular strong verb: Präsens du schließt (umlaut), Präteritum 'schloss', Partizip II 'geschlossen'.