offen
Die Tür ist offen.
The door is open.
not closed; allowing access or passage
Das Fenster bleibt offen.
The window remains open.
Used for doors, windows, containers, or abstract concepts like minds.
frank, honest, or candid in speech or manner
Sie war sehr offen über ihre Gefühle.
She was very open about her feelings.
Often paired with 'über' (about) in expressions like 'offen über etwas sprechen'.
not settled or decided; pending
Die Frage ist noch offen.
The question is still open.
Common in phrases like 'offene Rechnung' (open invoice) or 'offene Stelle' (vacant position).
in a position ready to receive or act
Das Angebot steht offen.
The offer is still open.
Used in contexts like business offers or opportunities.
Collocations
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Collocation with 'über'
Use 'offen über etwas sprechen' to mean 'to speak openly about something'. This is a common collocation in German.
Gold Rule
Physical vs. Abstract
For physical objects (doors, windows), 'offen' means 'open' in the literal sense. For abstract concepts (minds, questions), it implies 'unresolved' or 'frank'.
Word Origin
From Middle High German *offen*, from Old High German *offan*, from Proto-Germanic *uƀanaz* (open), related to English 'open' and Dutch 'open'.
Usage Notes
In German, 'offen' is often used in compound nouns like 'offene Frage' (open question) or 'offene Beziehung' (open relationship). It can also imply transparency or accessibility in abstract contexts.