Vorhängeschloss
[ˈfoːɐ̯hɛŋəˌʃlɔs]neuter
The English phrase 'padlock' is Vorhängeschloss in German.
Vorhängeschloss is a neuter noun referring to a type of lock. While English uses 'to padlock' as a single-word verb, German uses the phrase mit einem Vorhängeschloss verschließen, which means 'to lock using a padlock'.
Meaning: type of lock (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word Vorhängeschloss is a compound of vorhängen (to hang) and Schloss (lock), literally meaning 'hanging lock'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Vorhängeschloss is Vorhängeschlösser. In the genitive case, the word takes the ending -es, becoming Vorhängeschlosses (e.g., 'of the padlock').
Did you know?
- The word Schloss is a homonym in German, meaning both 'lock' and 'castle' or 'palace'. Because of this, a Vorhängeschloss is literally a 'hanging castle' if you use the other meaning of the word.
- In Germany, the custom of 'Love Locks' involves couples attaching a Vorhängeschloss to a bridge and throwing the key into the river to symbolize eternal love.
- The word Schloss comes from the Old High German word for 'closing' or 'fastening', which is a distant relative of the English word 'close'.
Examples in context
- An der Tür ist ein Vorhängeschloss.There's a padlock on the door.This sentence shows how to describe a padlock being on a door.Tatoeba #12423242 by Yorwba, translation #4016279 by CK
- Das rostige Vorhängeschloss fiel unter ihrer Berührung ab.The rusted padlock fell away at her touch.This sentence uses the word to describe a rusted padlock falling off.Tatoeba #12423243 by Yorwba, translation #9011715 by mccarras
- Ihre Freunde mussten die Gefriertruhe mit einem Vorhängeschloss versehen, um sie am Eisessen zu hindern.Her friends had to padlock the freezer to prevent her from eating ice cream.This sentence demonstrates the phrase for 'to padlock' used in a context about a freezer.Tatoeba #12423244 by Yorwba, translation #939400 by Scott
- Bitte stellen Sie sicher, dass das Vorhängeschloss an der Tür richtig geschlossen ist.Please make sure that the padlock on the door is properly locked.
- Kannst du bitte das Schloss am Zaun öffnen?Can you please open the padlock on the fence?
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are standing in front of a bicycle rack.
- MaximilianHast du das Vorhängeschloss dabei?Do you have the padlock with you?
- LauraJa, es liegt in meiner Tasche.Yes, it is in my bag.
- MaximilianGut, dann können wir die Fahrräder sichern.Good, then we can secure the bicycles.
- LauraIch hole es sofort heraus.I will take it out immediately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “padlock” translations and entries Vorhängeschloss, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
