German word

Sperre

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃpɛʁə/

Meaning

  • feminine nounblockade

Example

Die Sperre wurde aufgehoben.

The blockade was lifted.

Illustration for Sperre (blockade)

More examples

Auf der Autobahn wurde wegen eines Unfalls eine Sperre eingerichtet.

A blockade was set up on the motorway because of an accident.

Core concept

A barrier or official stop stands across a road, route, or service, cutting off access until the obstruction or rule is removed.

Common phrases

  • Sperre einrichten

    set up a blockade

  • Sperre lockern

    ease a blockade

  • Sperre anordnen

    order a blockade

Similar words

Sperrung: The closure of a road or facility to prevent passage or use.
Einschränkung: A partial limit on activity or access that reduces freedom of use.
Verbot: A rule or law that forbids a certain action or use.
Blockade: An external obstruction that cuts off traffic or the movement of goods.

Definition in German

Ein Hindernis oder eine behördliche Regelung, die die Nutzung oder Passage von Orten oder Diensten verhindert.

Word origin

Sperre is a noun formed from the verb sperren, meaning to block or close off, and names the resulting barrier or restriction.

Usage tips

  • Sperre is feminine, with the plural Sperren, and common compounds such as Straßensperre and Internetsperre specify what is blocked.

Other meanings

  • road closurenoun
  • cutoffnoun
  • restrictionnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Sperrmaßnahmeblockade measurenoun
  • Sperrfristblocking periodnoun

Word lists with this word