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German Phrase

Mach Fremden niemals die Tür auf.

/max ˈfʁɛm.dən ˈniː.maːls diː ˈtyːɐ̯ aʊf/
Meaning"Never open the door for strangers."
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Meaning

This is a firm command telling someone not to open the door for strangers. It combines the imperative ‘Mach … auf’ with the emphatic negative adverb ‘niemals’ to stress a safety rule.

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When to use

Use it when giving safety advice—e.g., to children, roommates, or visitors—especially in informal settings where a strong, clear prohibition is needed.

✦Grammar Breakdown

MachFremdenniemalsdieTürauf

1

Mach (imperative)

‘Mach’ is the du‑imperative of ‘machen’. In the imperative the verb stem is used without an ending.

2

Fremden (dative plural)

‘Fremden’ is the dative plural of ‘Fremder’. After ‘machen’ the person who receives the action is in the dative case.

3

niemals (strong negation)

‘niemals’ means ‘never’ and is stronger than ‘nie’. It is placed directly before the verb phrase.

4

die Tür (accusative object)

‘die Tür’ is a feminine singular noun in the accusative case, the direct object of ‘machen’.

5

auf (separable prefix)

‘auf’ is the separable prefix of ‘aufmachen’. In main clauses and imperatives it moves to the end of the sentence.

🗨In Conversation

A

Soll ich die Tür für den Lieferanten öffnen?

Should I open the door for the delivery person?

Mach Fremden niemals die Tür auf.

Never open the door for strangers.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Mach Fremden nie die Tür auf.

    ‘Niemals’ is stronger and idiomatic in this warning.

  • Mach Fremde niemals die Tür auf.

    The person is in dative after ‘machen’, not nominative.

  • Mach Fremden niemals die Tür aufmachen.

    In the imperative the separable prefix must be placed at the end, not attached to the verb.

↔Alternatives

  • Öffne Fremden nie die Tür.

    Never open the door to strangers.

  • Lass keine Fremden ins Haus, indem du die Tür öffnest.

    Don’t let strangers into the house by opening the door.

de

Cultural Tip

In German‑speaking households safety advice about not opening doors for unknown people is common, especially for children. ‘Niemals’ adds extra emphasis compared with ‘nie’. The phrase is informal; in a formal context you would say ‘Bitte öffnen Sie die Tür nicht für Fremde.’