Learn Hardcore Greek: Η κλειδαριά δεν ανοίγει καλά, οπότε περιμένω τον συγκάτοικό μου έξω. - The lock doesn’t open well, so I’m waiting for my roommate outside.

Η is the feminine singular definite article (the).
κλειδαριά (lock) is feminine, so it takes η in the nominative case because it’s the subject: Η κλειδαριά = The lock.

Why is the verb ανοίγει in this form? Does it mean “opens” or “is opened”?

ανοίγει is present tense, 3rd person singular of ανοίγω (to open). In Greek, this form can correspond to:

opens (active meaning): The lock doesn’t open well
or a more “middle/intransitive” sense: The lock won’t open / doesn’t open

In everyday Greek, Η κλειδαριά δεν ανοίγει naturally means The lock doesn’t open (easily/properly) (i.e., it’s stuck), without needing a passive construction.

How does negation work in δεν ανοίγει?

δεν is the standard negation for the indicative mood (statements of fact). It goes directly before the verb:

δεν ανοίγει = doesn’t open
δεν περιμένω = I’m not waiting

(For commands/subjunctive you often see μη(ν) instead.)

What does καλά mean here, and why is it placed after the verb?