German word

offen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈɔfən/

Meaning

  • adjectiveopen

Example

Die Tür ist offen.

The door is open.

Illustration for offen (open)

More examples

Ich bin offen für neue Ideen.

I am open to new ideas.

Core concept

A door stands unblocked, and the same lack of barriers extends to access, communication, and new ideas.

Common phrases

  • offen für neue Ideen

    open to new ideas

  • offen für Vorschläge

    open to suggestions

  • offen gegenüber Kritik

    open to criticism

Similar words

ehrlich: Truthful and honest when sharing thoughts or facts.
direkt: Expressing things plainly without indirect wording or evasive behavior.
offenherzig: Frankly revealing inner feelings and thoughts in a warm, open manner.
aufrichtig: Sincere and genuine, without lies or deception.

Definition in German

Geöffnet oder nicht abgeschlossen; zugänglich oder verfügbar; übertragen: frei im Verhalten und offen für Neues.

Word origin

German offen is an inherited Germanic adjective, attested in Old High German offan and cognate with English open.

Usage tips

  • The phrase offen für takes the accusative, as in offen für neue Ideen.

Other meanings

  • open-mindedadjective
  • openlyadverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Offenheitopennessnoun
  • offenherzigopen-heartedadjective

Word lists with this word