Sperren

Sperren is a German term that covers blocking, locking, or suspending access or operation. It can function as a verb (to block, lock, or suspend) and as a noun (the act or result of blocking, or a barrier).

As a verb, sperren is used with objects that are to be restricted or made inaccessible. Common usages include blocking an account or a card, locking a door, or restricting access to a service or website. In perfect tense, the auxiliary is typically haben: Ich habe das Konto gesperrt. In passive constructions the form can be ist gesperrt or wurde gesperrt, for example Der Zugang ist gesperrt or Der Zugang wurde gesperrt. The term is also used in sports and law enforcement to indicate a temporary or permanent ban or suspension, such as eine Sperre verhängen.

As a noun, Sperren (often replaced by Sperre in the singular) refers to the barriers, blocks, or restrictions themselves. This can include road closures (Straßensperren), bank account freezes (Konto Sperre), or restrictions on online services (Sperren von Zugang). In the plural, Sperren can describe multiple blocking events or measures over a period of time.

Common contexts include security and access control (Sperren von Türen, Konten, Webseiten), transportation (Sperren von Straßen oder Gleisen), finance (Konto- oder Kreditkartensperren), information technology (Nutzerkonten sperren), and sport (Sperren von Spielern nach Verstößen). The exact meaning depends on the object affected and the governing authority or policy behind the action.

See also: Sperre, Blockade, Sperrung.