German Conversation · Level 103
56 words
German word
versperren
Pronunciation
IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈʃpɛʁən/
Meaning
- verbblock
Example
Der Bus versperrt die Straße.
The bus is blocking the road.
More examples
Ein umgestürzter Lkw versperrt die Autobahn.
A toppled truck is blocking the motorway.
Core concept
A gate, car, or body fills the narrow opening that others need to pass through.
Common phrases
den Eingang versperren
block the entrance
die Zufahrt versperren
block the access road
den Ausgang versperren
block the exit
Similar words
behindern: Slows progress or makes movement and tasks more difficult.
blockieren: Stops traffic or machinery by physically blocking its movement.
aufhalten: Delays or briefly stops the movement of a person or object.
sperren: Closes a route or facility so that entry or access is not possible.
Definition in German
einen Weg, Durchgang oder Zugang mit einem Gegenstand oder Körper blockieren, so dass Passage verhindert wird.
Word origin
The verb is formed from ver- and sperren, an inherited Germanic verb for barring or closing, with the combined form referring to blocked access.
Usage tips
- In jemandem den Weg versperren, jemandem is dative and den Weg is accusative because the route is the thing being blocked.