versperrt

Versperrt is the past participle of the German verb versperren and functions as an adjective describing something that has been blocked or closed off. It is commonly used to indicate that a passage or access point is obstructed by a barrier, construction work, or other impediments. The term can apply to roads, paths, doorways, or any route that is not accessible because of an obstruction.

The verb versperren is formed with the prefix ver- added to sperren (to block, to bar). The participle versperrt agrees with the noun it describes: Die Straße ist versperrt. Der Weg war versperrt. Versperrte Türen blockieren den Zutritt. In practice, versperrt is often used in everyday language and signage to convey that passage is not available at a given moment.

In relation to similar terms, versperrt is close in meaning to gesperrt, though usage can differ by context. Gesperrt is very common for officially closed or locked states (for example, accounts or tickets), while versperrt emphasizes the act of blocking or sealing off a route or entrance. Both terms may appear in road signs, reports, or notices, sometimes interchangeably depending on regional preference.

Examples include: Der Tunnel ist versperrt wegen Reparaturarbeiten. Der Zugang zum Gelände ist versperrt. Die Treppe ist versperrt und darf nicht benutzt werden. Versperrt describing physical blockages is the typical sense in everyday German.