German Phrase
Die Straßen sind komplett gesperrt.
Meaning
The sentence means ‘The streets are completely closed.’ It conveys that no traffic can pass because the roads have been shut down entirely, not just partially blocked.
When to use
Use this phrase when giving traffic updates, informing friends about a detour, or reading official notices about road work. It’s common in news reports, navigation apps, and everyday conversation about city logistics.
✦Grammar Breakdown
DieStraßensindkomplettgesperrt.
Definite article (plural, nominative)
‘Die’ is the plural nominative form of the definite article, used here because ‘Straßen’ is plural.
Noun (plural, feminine)
‘Straßen’ is the plural of ‘die Straße’ (street), a feminine noun.
Verb ‘sein’ (3rd person plural)
‘sind’ is the present‑tense 3rd‑person plural of ‘sein’, agreeing with the plural subject ‘Straßen’.
Adverb ‘komplett’
‘komplett’ functions as an adverb meaning ‘completely’ and modifies the adjective ‘gesperrt’.
Past participle as adjective
‘gesperrt’ is the past participle of ‘sperren’; with ‘sein’ it describes a state (the streets are closed).
🗨In Conversation
Sind die Straßen heute gesperrt?
Are the streets closed today?
Ja, die Straßen sind komplett gesperrt.
Yes, the streets are completely closed.
✕Common Mistakes
Die Straßen ist komplett gesperrt.
‘Straßen’ is plural, so the verb must be the plural form ‘sind’.
Die Straßen haben komplett gesperrt.
‘gesperrt’ is a state adjective here; you need ‘sein’ not ‘haben’.
↔Alternatives
Die Straßen sind vollständig gesperrt.
The streets are fully closed.
Alle Straßen sind gesperrt.
All streets are closed.
Der Verkehr ist wegen Straßensperrungen eingestellt.
Traffic is halted because of road closures.
Cultural Tip
In Germany road closures are announced on Autobahn signs, local radio, and the ‘Verkehrsinfo’ apps. The phrasing is neutral and works in both formal announcements and casual conversation. Remember that ‘Straße’ is feminine; the plural ‘Straßen’ always takes the plural verb ‘sind’.