verschlossen

Verschlossen is a German adjective and past participle derived from the verb verschließen, meaning to close or to lock. It denotes that something has been closed, sealed, or locked, and it can also describe a person who is emotionally reserved or unapproachable. In physical contexts one speaks of a verschlossene Tür (the closed/locked door) or a verschlossener Raum. In a figurative sense, a person can be described as verschlossen, meaning they tend not to reveal thoughts or feelings.

The word is formed from verschließen with the participle suffix and the prefix ver-, which in this context conveys a completed state. It is used in predicative constructions ("Die Tür ist verschlossen") as well as attributive ones ("eine verschlossene Tür" or "ein verschlossener Raum"). The term is common in standard German and contrasts with geschlossen when the emphasis is simply on being shut rather than sealed or emotionally guarded. The noun form Verschlossenheit denotes the state of being closed off.

Nuance and usage: Verschlossen often implies a deliberate or established closing, such as a locked container or a protective, barrier-like attitude. It can describe objects that are physically sealed or rooms that are not accessible, as well as people who are emotionally guarded. The related verbs and nouns include verschließen (to close/ seal) and Verschluss (closure).

Translations and related terms: In English, verschlossen is usually translated as "closed" or "locked" for objects, and as "closed-off," "unapproachable," or "stoic" for people. Related concepts include Verschluss (closure) and Verschlossenheit (the state of being closed off). Examples: Die Tür ist verschlossen. Er bleibt verschlossen gegenüber Neuem.