The present invention is directed to a doorcatch which performs the function of a safety chain for a door and includes a catch part. The catch part is connected to the doorframe and cooperates with a guide on a latch which is connected to the door. Both the catch part and the latch of the present invention are rotatable on horizontal axes. Further, the latch is free for movement up and down and is turnably attached to the door. In addition, the latch includes an axis or spindle arranged at such a level above an axis or spindle of the catch part and is mounted at a right-angled distance between the mounting plate of the catch part such that when the door is closed the parts which cooperate with the guide of the catch part automatically come into a notch. In this manner the catch part cooperates with the guide to automatically force the catch to a locked position when the door is closed either from the inside or from the outside. In another embodiment of the present invention the catch part may be positioned on a door and the latch positioned on a doorframe. This embodiment is utilized in combination with a door which swings inwardly.