zumachen
Zumachen is a German verb with the separable prefix zu-, meaning to close, shut, or shut down. It is used for closing physical objects such as doors, windows, lids, and also for ending or terminating operations, like shops or processes. The core meaning is to bring something to a closed state, either literally or figuratively.
- Physical closure: Kannst du bitte die Tür zumachen? Ich mache das Fenster zu. (Can you close the
- Closing a business or operation: Wir müssen heute den Laden zumachen. Das Unternehmen hat beschlossen, den
- In informal instruction or context, the infinitive is often written as zumachen (with the prefix attached):
- Present: ich mache zu, du machst zu, er macht zu, wir machen zu, ihr macht zu, sie
- Imperative: Mach zu! Macht zu! Machen Sie zu!
- Perfect (with haben): ich habe zugemacht, du hast zugemacht, er hat zugemacht, etc. The past participle
- Other forms follow the regular pattern of separable-prefix verbs.
- Antonym: aufmachen (to open).
- Synonyms for “close” in specific senses include schließen, zum Verschluss bringen, depending on context.
- In finite clauses, the prefix is often separated: Ich mache die Tür zu.
- The term is common across German-speaking regions and applies to both tangible and figurative closures.