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B1 noun #7,000 most common 11 min read

Schreck

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Schreck in 30 Seconds

  • Schreck: A sudden fright or scare.
  • Commonly used with 'bekommen' (to get).
  • Describes a momentary, acute reaction.
  • Distinct from ongoing fear or anxiety.
The German noun "Schreck" translates to "fright," "scare," or "shock" in English. It refers to a sudden feeling of fear or alarm, often caused by something unexpected or startling. You might experience a "Schreck" when you hear a loud noise, see something surprising, or are suddenly confronted with a problem. It's a common word used in everyday conversations to describe moments of being startled or frightened. For instance, a sudden bang from outside could give someone a "Schreck." Similarly, a near-miss while driving can cause a "Schreck." The intensity of the "Schreck" can vary from a mild surprise to a significant jolt of fear. It's often used with verbs like "bekommen" (to get) or "kriegen" (to get), as in "Ich habe einen Schreck bekommen" (I got a fright). It can also be used as a noun in phrases like "ein großer Schreck" (a big fright). The feeling of "Schreck" is usually temporary, but it can leave a lasting impression depending on the cause. It's important to distinguish "Schreck" from more prolonged states of fear like "Angst" (anxiety) or "Furcht" (fear), as "Schreck" specifically denotes a sudden, acute reaction. People often use this word to recount personal experiences of being startled, making it a very relatable term in German. It can be used humorously to describe minor scares or more seriously when recounting genuinely frightening events. The word itself has a somewhat onomatopoeic quality, hinting at a sudden, sharp sound or sensation. It's a versatile word that captures a very human emotional response to the unexpected. The context in which "Schreck" is used will determine the nuance of its meaning, but the core idea of a sudden scare remains consistent. It's a word that adds vividness to descriptions of unexpected events.
Synonym
Schock
Antonym
Gelassenheit (calmness), Ruhe (peace)

Der plötzliche Knall gab mir einen Schreck.

The sudden bang gave me a fright.

Ein unerwarteter Schreck fuhr mir durch die Glieder.

An unexpected scare shot through my limbs.
"Schreck" is a noun and is typically used in sentences to describe the experience of being startled or frightened. The most common construction involves the verb "bekommen" (to get) or "kriegen" (to get), forming the phrase "einen Schreck bekommen/kriegen." This literally translates to "to get a fright." For example, "Der plötzliche Lärm hat mir einen Schreck eingejagt" (The sudden noise gave me a fright). You can also use "Schreck" as the subject or object of a sentence, often modified by an adjective to indicate the intensity of the scare. For instance, "Ein großer Schreck durchfuhr ihn" (A big fright shot through him). When describing the cause of the fright, prepositions like "vor" (from/of) or "wegen" (because of) might be used, though less directly with the noun itself. More often, the cause is stated in a separate clause or sentence. For example, "Der Anblick der Schlange war ein Schreck für sie" (The sight of the snake was a fright for her). The word can also be used in more figurative ways to describe something that is a cause of alarm or distress, though this is less common than its literal meaning. For instance, "Die Nachricht von der Krise war ein Schreck für die Wirtschaft" (The news of the crisis was a shock for the economy). When discussing someone's reaction, you might say, "Er hat sich einen gewaltigen Schreck geholt" (He got a tremendous scare). The word is also used in expressions like "Schreck lass nach!" which is an informal way to say "calm down!" or "take it easy!" after a scare. It's important to remember that "Schreck" denotes a sudden, acute feeling, distinct from ongoing fear or anxiety. Therefore, sentences describing "Schreck" often focus on the moment of impact or the immediate aftermath. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, though predominantly negative. For example, a child might get a "Schreck" from a loud toy, but also a "Schreck" from seeing a parent dressed as a clown, which might be meant to be funny. The versatility of the verb "bekommen" with "Schreck" makes it a very natural and frequently used combination in spoken and written German.
Common Verb Combination
einen Schreck bekommen/kriegen (to get a fright)
Intensity Modifier
großer Schreck (big fright), leichter Schreck (slight fright)

Nach dem lauten Geräusch bekam er einen Schreck.

After the loud noise, he got a fright.

Die Vorstellung, allein zu sein, verursachte ihr einen Schreck.

The thought of being alone caused her a fright.
You'll hear the word "Schreck" frequently in everyday German conversations. It's a staple for describing sudden, startling moments. Imagine a group of friends recounting their weekend: someone might say, "Ich habe mich so erschrocken, ich bekam einen riesigen Schreck!" (I was so startled, I got a huge fright!). This is a very natural way to express surprise and a momentary fear. In family settings, parents often use it when talking to children. If a child jumps at a sudden noise, a parent might reassure them by saying, "Keine Sorge, das war nur ein kleiner Schreck." (Don't worry, that was just a little scare.). News reports often feature "Schreck" when describing accidents or unexpected events. For example, a report about a near-miss might state, "Die Verkehrsteilnehmer erlebten einen Schreck, als das Auto plötzlich bremste." (The road users experienced a fright when the car suddenly braked.). In literature and film, "Schreck" is used to add dramatic effect to scenes involving sudden danger or surprise. A character might be described as feeling a "Schreck" when encountering a ghost or a sudden threat. Even in more lighthearted contexts, like describing a prank, the word can be used. Someone might say, "Der Schreck war gut gemeint, aber ich habe mich trotzdem erschrocken." (The scare was well-intentioned, but I was still startled.). It's also common in colloquial expressions. For instance, when someone is overly anxious about something, you might hear, "Du brauchst dir keinen Schreck einjagen zu lassen." (You don't need to let yourself get scared.). The word is so ingrained in the language that it appears in various forms of media, from children's books to adult novels, and in everyday spoken interactions. Its prevalence underscores its importance in conveying a common human experience. It's a word that bridges the gap between formal and informal language, making it highly adaptable. You'll encounter it in discussions about personal safety, unexpected events, and even in humorous anecdotes about being startled.
Everyday Scenarios
Sudden loud noises, unexpected encounters, near-misses, jump scares in movies.
Media Usage
News reports on accidents, fictional narratives depicting surprise or danger, children's stories.

Der Hund, der plötzlich aus dem Gebüsch sprang, verursachte einen Schreck.

The dog that suddenly jumped out of the bushes caused a fright.

Die Nachricht von der Krankheit des Freundes war ein großer Schreck.

The news of the friend's illness was a big shock.
One common mistake when learning "Schreck" is confusing it with "Angst" (anxiety) or "Furcht" (fear). While all relate to negative emotions, "Schreck" specifically denotes a sudden, acute feeling of being startled or scared, often triggered by an unexpected event. "Angst" and "Furcht" typically imply a more prolonged or general sense of fear. For example, saying "Ich habe Angst vor Spinnen" (I am afraid of spiders) is correct, but saying "Ich habe einen Schreck vor Spinnen" would sound odd, unless a spider suddenly appeared. Another mistake is in the grammatical construction. Learners might try to use "Schreck" as a verb directly. Remember, "Schreck" is a noun. The related verb is "erschrecken" (to be startled/to frighten). So, instead of saying "Ich schreckte," you should say "Ich erschrak" or "Ich bekam einen Schreck." Similarly, learners might misuse prepositions. While "Schreck" can be the object of the verb "bekommen," directly linking it with prepositions to the cause can be tricky. It's more natural to say "Der laute Knall gab mir einen Schreck" (The loud bang gave me a fright) rather than "Ich bekam einen Schreck von dem lauten Knall" (though this is understandable, the former is more idiomatic). Overusing "Schreck" for any unpleasant feeling can also be a mistake. If you're feeling generally worried about an upcoming exam, "Angst" or "Sorge" (worry) would be more appropriate than "Schreck." "Schreck" is for the sudden jolt. Finally, pronunciation can be a minor hurdle. Ensure the "sch" sound is pronounced as in "shoe" and the "ck" is a clear, short sound. Misplacing the stress or mispronouncing vowels can make the word harder to understand. It's also important not to confuse it with similar-sounding words that have entirely different meanings. For instance, "Schrank" (cupboard) sounds somewhat similar but is unrelated.
Distinction from Similar Words
Schreck (sudden fright) vs. Angst (anxiety, general fear) vs. Furcht (fear, often of something specific).
Grammatical Pitfall
Confusing the noun "Schreck" with the verb "erschrecken." Correct usage: "Ich bekam einen Schreck" (I got a fright), not "Ich schreckte."

Incorrect: Ich habe Angst vor dem lauten Geräusch. (Correct: Ich bekam einen Schreck vor dem lauten Geräusch.)

Mistake: Using "Angst" when "Schreck" is more appropriate for a sudden event.

Incorrect: Ich schreckte von dem Hund. (Correct: Ich erschrak vor dem Hund. or Ich bekam einen Schreck wegen des Hundes.)

Mistake: Using "schreckte" as a verb.
While "Schreck" is a very useful word for a sudden fright, German offers several other words to express fear and surprise, each with its own nuance. The closest synonym is "Schock." Both "Schreck" and "Schock" refer to a sudden, intense feeling of being startled or overwhelmed. "Schock" can sometimes imply a more profound or lasting impact, especially in a medical or psychological context, but in everyday language, they are often interchangeable for a sudden scare. For instance, "Der Unfall war ein großer Schreck/Schock für alle Beteiligten." (The accident was a big fright/shock for everyone involved.). However, "Schreck" leans more towards the immediate, visceral reaction of being startled, while "Schock" can sometimes suggest a more profound psychological impact. If you're talking about a more general, ongoing feeling of fear or worry, you would use "Angst." "Ich habe Angst vor der Prüfung" (I am afraid of the exam). "Schreck" is not suitable here because an exam is a known future event, not a sudden surprise. Another related word is "Furcht," which is a more formal term for fear, often a deep-seated or rational fear of something specific. "Er zeigte keine Furcht vor dem gefährlichen Tier." (He showed no fear of the dangerous animal.). "Schreck" is too light for this context. For surprise, you might use "Überraschung." If someone jumps out at you as a prank, that's a "Schreck" caused by a "Überraschung." So, the surprise is the event, and the "Schreck" is the reaction. Another alternative for a sudden scare, especially a milder one, can be "Erschrecken" (the noun form of the verb "erschrecken"), though "Schreck" is more common. For instance, "Das plötzliche Erschrecken ließ ihn zusammenzucken." (The sudden fright made him flinch.). However, "Schreck" is generally more versatile and frequently used. When talking about something that causes concern or alarm, but not necessarily a sudden fright, you might use "Besorgnis" (concern) or "Beunruhigung" (unease). For instance, "Die wirtschaftliche Entwicklung bereitet mir Besorgnis." (The economic development causes me concern.). These are long-term feelings, unlike the instantaneous nature of "Schreck." In summary, "Schreck" is best for that sudden, involuntary jolt of fear or alarm. Use "Schock" for a similar sudden impact, "Angst" for ongoing fear/anxiety, and "Furcht" for a more profound or rational fear.
Closest Synonym
Schock (shock): Often interchangeable for sudden scares, but "Schock" can imply a deeper impact.
Contrast with General Fear
Angst (anxiety, general fear): Implies a more prolonged or pervasive feeling, not a sudden scare.
Contrast with Surprise
Überraschung (surprise): The event that causes the Schreck; Schreck is the reaction.

Der Schreck war groß, aber der Schock hielt nicht lange an.

The fright was big, but the shock didn't last long.

Vor der Prüfung habe ich Angst, nicht einen Schreck.

Before the exam, I have fear, not a fright.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

""

Neutral

""

Informal

""

Child friendly

""

Slang

""

Fun Fact

The word 'Schreck' has a somewhat onomatopoeic quality, hinting at a sudden, sharp sound or sensation that causes one to jump or recoil. It's related to words in other Germanic languages that also denote sudden shocks or movements.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʃrɛk/
US /ʃrɛk/
The stress is on the first and only syllable: Schreck.
Rhymes With
Zweck Fleck Scheck Leck Dreieck Viereck Rechteck Viereck
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'sch' as 's' or 'ch'.
  • Making the vowel too long or too closed.
  • Adding an extra vowel sound after 'ck'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

B1 level vocabulary. The word itself is common, but understanding its nuances and idiomatic uses requires some exposure and practice. Texts using 'Schreck' are generally accessible at this level.

Writing 3/5

Using 'Schreck' correctly, especially in idiomatic phrases and distinguishing it from similar words, requires B1 proficiency.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward. Using 'Schreck' in natural conversation, particularly in common phrases like 'einen Schreck bekommen,' is achievable at B1.

Listening 3/5

The word is frequently used in spoken German, making it important for comprehension at B1. Recognizing it in context is key.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Angst Furcht Überraschung bekommen erschrecken

Learn Next

Schock Erschrockenheit Aufregung Panik

Advanced

psychische Belastung traumatische Erfahrung Nervosität

Grammar to Know

Using the verb 'bekommen' with nouns to indicate receiving something or experiencing a state.

Ich bekomme Hunger. (I am getting hungry.) Sie bekam einen Schreck. (She got a fright.)

Using dative case with verbs like 'einjagen' when indicating the recipient of an action.

Der laute Knall jagte mir einen Schreck ein. (The loud bang gave me a fright - 'mir' is dative.)

Subordinate clauses introduced by 'als' for past single events.

Ich bekam einen Schreck, als das Licht ausging. (I got a fright when the light went out.)

Adjective declension before the noun 'Schreck'.

Ein großer Schreck. (A big fright.) Der große Schreck. (The big fright.)

Using the preposition 'vor' to indicate the cause of a reaction, especially with verbs like 'erschrecken'.

Er erschrak vor dem Hund. (He got scared of the dog.) Manchmal sagt man auch 'einen Schreck vor etwas bekommen', obwohl es weniger idiomatisch ist als 'einen Schreck wegen etwas bekommen'.

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Examples by Level

1

Der Hund macht einen Schreck.

The dog makes a fright.

Simple sentence structure. Noun used directly.

2

Ich habe einen Schreck.

I have a fright.

Common phrase 'einen Schreck haben'.

3

Das war ein Schreck!

That was a fright!

Exclamatory sentence.

4

Ein kleiner Schreck.

A small fright.

Adjective modifying the noun.

5

Der Schreck war schnell weg.

The fright was quickly gone.

Simple past tense.

6

Sie bekam einen Schreck.

She got a fright.

Verb 'bekommen' with 'Schreck'.

7

Ein Schreck für mich.

A fright for me.

Prepositional phrase indicating recipient.

8

Was für ein Schreck!

What a fright!

Exclamatory phrase.

1

Der plötzliche Knall gab mir einen Schreck.

The sudden bang gave me a fright.

Using 'geben' with 'Schreck' to indicate cause.

2

Ich habe mich vor dem Hund erschreckt.

I got scared by the dog.

Using the verb 'erschrecken' and indicating the cause with 'vor'.

3

Ein unerwarteter Schreck durchfuhr ihn.

An unexpected fright shot through him.

More descriptive sentence structure.

4

Sie hat einen großen Schreck bekommen.

She got a big fright.

Using 'bekommen' with an adjective modifying 'Schreck'.

5

Das war ein leichter Schreck für die Kinder.

That was a slight fright for the children.

Using 'leichter' (slight) and indicating the recipient.

6

Der Schreck war schnell vergessen.

The fright was quickly forgotten.

Past tense, describing the aftermath.

7

Er hat sich einen gewaltigen Schreck geholt.

He got a tremendous scare.

Using 'sich holen' with 'Schreck', idiomatic expression.

8

Was für ein Schreck, als die Tür aufging!

What a fright when the door opened!

Connecting the cause with 'als'.

1

Der plötzliche Feueralarm gab allen im Gebäude einen gehörigen Schreck.

The sudden fire alarm gave everyone in the building a proper fright.

More complex sentence with a dative object and adjective 'gehörig'.

2

Ich bekam einen Schreck, als ich die Rechnung sah.

I got a fright when I saw the bill.

Using 'als' to introduce a subordinate clause indicating the cause.

3

Die Nachricht von dem Unfall war ein großer Schreck für die Familie.

The news of the accident was a big shock for the family.

Using 'Schreck' as the subject, with a prepositional phrase indicating the recipient.

4

Ein leichter Schreck durchfuhr sie, als sie die Spinne sah.

A slight fright shot through her when she saw the spider.

Using 'durchfahren' and indicating the cause with 'als'.

5

Er hat sich einen gewaltigen Schreck geholt, als das Auto fast in ihn hineingefahren wäre.

He got a tremendous scare when the car almost drove into him.

Complex sentence with conditional clause and idiomatic expression.

6

Das war ein Schreck, den ich so schnell nicht vergessen werde.

That was a fright that I won't forget anytime soon.

Relative clause modifying 'Schreck'.

7

Sie versuchte, sich nichts anmerken zu lassen, aber man sah ihr den Schreck an.

She tried not to show anything, but you could see the fright on her.

Idiomatic expression 'sich anmerken lassen' and 'an etwas ansehen'.

8

Der Schreck lass nach!

Calm down! / Take it easy!

Colloquial expression.

1

Der unerwartete Einbruch der Aktienkurse versetzte die Investoren in einen Zustand des Schreckens.

The unexpected drop in stock prices plunged the investors into a state of fright/shock.

Using 'Schreck' in a more abstract or figurative sense, with the verb 'versetzen in'.

2

Ich bekam einen Schreck, als ich bemerkte, dass mein Portemonnaie fehlte.

I got a fright when I noticed that my wallet was missing.

Using 'bemerken' and indicating the cause of the fright.

3

Die Geschichte von dem Geisterhaus sorgte für so manchen Schreck bei den Kindern.

The story of the haunted house caused quite a few scares for the children.

Using 'sorgen für' to indicate the cause of the fright, and 'so manchen' for emphasis.

4

Er gab vor, keine Angst zu haben, aber die Anspannung verriet seinen inneren Schreck.

He pretended not to be afraid, but the tension betrayed his inner fright.

Distinguishing between outward appearance and inner feeling.

5

Die plötzliche Dunkelheit nach dem Stromausfall löste bei vielen einen tiefen Schreck aus.

The sudden darkness after the power outage triggered a deep fright in many.

Using 'auslösen' (to trigger) with 'Schreck'.

6

Man konnte ihr den Schrecken in den Augen ansehen, als sie die Nachricht hörte.

You could see the fright in her eyes when she heard the news.

Using 'Schreck' in a possessive construction to describe a visible reaction.

7

Sie versuchte, den Schreck zu verbergen, aber ihr Zittern sprach Bände.

She tried to hide the fright, but her trembling spoke volumes.

Figurative language 'sprach Bände' (spoke volumes).

8

Der Schreck war so groß, dass er für einen Moment die Sprache verlor.

The fright was so great that he lost his speech for a moment.

Describing the extreme effect of the fright.

1

Die unerwartete Nachricht von der Entlassung löste bei ihm einen Schreck aus, der ihn tagelang beschäftigte.

The unexpected news of the layoff triggered a fright in him that occupied him for days.

Using 'auslösen' and indicating a prolonged effect of the 'Schreck'.

2

Er rang nach Worten, unfähig, den Schreck zu artikulieren, der ihn überkam.

He struggled for words, unable to articulate the fright that overcame him.

Using 'ringen nach Worten' and 'überkommen' to describe the intensity and nature of the fright.

3

Die Atmosphäre im Raum war angespannt; jeder unerwartete Laut konnte einen neuen Schreck hervorrufen.

The atmosphere in the room was tense; every unexpected sound could provoke a new fright.

Using 'hervorrufen' (to provoke) and describing a recurring possibility of fright.

4

Sie versuchte, ihre Fassung zu bewahren, doch der Schreck stand ihr ins Gesicht geschrieben.

She tried to maintain her composure, but the fright was written all over her face.

Idiomatic expression 'stand ihr ins Gesicht geschrieben'.

5

Der Schreck über den Beinahe-Unfall wich langsam der Erleichterung, als er erkannte, dass niemand verletzt war.

The fright over the near-accident slowly gave way to relief when he realized no one was injured.

Describing the transition from fright to relief.

6

Er tat so, als ob ihn nichts aus der Ruhe bringen könnte, doch ein tiefer Schreck lag in seinen Augen.

He acted as if nothing could disturb him, yet a deep fright lay in his eyes.

Using subjunctive 'als ob' and describing the hidden emotion.

7

Die Geschichte wurde so lebendig erzählt, dass man fast den Schreck spüren konnte.

The story was told so vividly that one could almost feel the fright.

Describing the powerful effect of a narrative.

8

Der Schreck des ersten Kriegserlebnisses prägte ihn für sein Leben.

The fright of the first war experience shaped him for his entire life.

Using 'prägen' (to shape) to describe a lifelong impact of a 'Schreck'.

1

Die unerwartete Wendung der Ereignisse lud zu einem kollektiven Schreck ein, der die Grundfesten ihrer Sicherheit erschütterte.

The unexpected turn of events invited a collective fright that shook the foundations of their security.

Sophisticated vocabulary and abstract concepts related to 'Schreck'.

2

Er versuchte, seine innere Unruhe zu maskieren, doch der Schreck, den die Enthüllung in ihm ausgelöst hatte, war unverkennbar.

He tried to mask his inner turmoil, but the fright that the revelation had triggered in him was unmistakable.

Advanced vocabulary like 'maskieren', 'Unruhe', 'Enthüllung', 'unverkennbar'.

3

Die Stille, die auf das ohrenbetäubende Geräusch folgte, war fast schlimmer als der Schreck selbst.

The silence that followed the deafening noise was almost worse than the fright itself.

Juxtaposing the fright with the unsettling silence.

4

Ihr Lächeln war eine dünne Decke über dem tiefen Schreck, der ihre Seele durchdrang.

Her smile was a thin veil over the deep fright that permeated her soul.

Metaphorical language describing the profound impact of the fright.

5

Der Schreck war nur ein flüchtiger Moment, doch die daraus resultierende Vorsicht begleitete ihn fortan.

The fright was but a fleeting moment, yet the resulting caution accompanied him henceforth.

Contrasting the momentary fright with its lasting consequence.

6

Er sah sich nach einem Ausweg um, doch der Schreck lähmte seine Gedanken und seine Bewegungen.

He looked around for a way out, but the fright paralyzed his thoughts and his movements.

Describing the immobilizing effect of extreme fright.

7

Die Geschichte schilderte die psychischen Narben, die ein einmaliger Schreck hinterlassen konnte.

The story depicted the psychological scars that a single fright could leave behind.

Discussing the long-term psychological impact of a 'Schreck'.

8

Er empfand einen Schreck, der mehr auf die Erkenntnis der eigenen Verletzlichkeit als auf die äußere Bedrohung zurückzuführen war.

He felt a fright that was attributable more to the realization of his own vulnerability than to the external threat.

Analyzing the nuanced causes of fright, focusing on internal realization.

Common Collocations

einen Schreck bekommen
einen großen Schreck
ein leichter Schreck
Schreck einjagen
sich einen Schreck holen
vor Schreck
Schreck lass nach!
der Schreck sitzt tief
Schreck und Schrecken
etwas ist ein Schreck

Common Phrases

einen Schreck bekommen

— To get a fright or a scare. This is the most common way to use the word.

Als das Licht ausging, bekam ich einen Schreck.

einen großen Schreck

— A big fright or a significant scare.

Der Sturm verursachte einen großen Schreck bei den Anwohnern.

ein leichter Schreck

— A slight fright or a minor scare.

Es war nur ein leichter Schreck, als die Katze aufsprang.

Schreck lass nach!

— An informal exclamation meaning 'calm down!' or 'take it easy!' used after a scare.

Keine Sorge, es ist nichts passiert. Schreck lass nach!

sich einen Schreck holen

— To get a scare, similar to 'einen Schreck bekommen,' often implying a more intense experience.

Er hat sich einen gewaltigen Schreck geholt, als er die Schlange sah.

vor Schreck

— Out of fright or due to fright.

Vor Schreck konnte sie nicht sprechen.

Schreck einjagen

— To frighten someone, to give them a scare.

Die plötzliche Erscheinung jagte ihm einen Schreck ein.

Der Schreck war groß

— The fright was great/intense.

Der Schreck war groß, als das Auto so nah vorbeifuhr.

Schreck und Schrecken

— A phrase often used for emphasis, combining a sudden fright with a more profound terror.

Es war nicht nur ein Schreck, es war ein wahrer Schrecken.

etwas ist ein Schreck

— Something is a cause of fright or alarm.

Die Nachricht über die Krankheit war ein Schreck für die ganze Familie.

Often Confused With

Schreck vs Schock

Schock is very similar and often interchangeable with Schreck for sudden scares. However, Schock can also imply a deeper, more lasting psychological or physical impact, especially in medical contexts. Schreck is more focused on the immediate, startled reaction.

Schreck vs Angst

Angst means fear or anxiety and refers to a more general, prolonged, or anticipatory feeling of apprehension. Schreck is specifically a sudden, acute fright from an unexpected event.

Schreck vs Erschrecken

Erschrecken is the verb 'to be startled' or 'to frighten.' Schreck is the noun for the fright itself. One 'erschrickt' (verb) and 'bekommt einen Schreck' (noun phrase).

Idioms & Expressions

"Schreck lass nach!"

— This is an idiomatic exclamation used to tell someone to calm down or relax after they have been startled or frightened. It literally means 'fright, let down!'

Als der Hund plötzlich bellte, zuckte sie zusammen. Ihr Mann sagte: "Keine Sorge, Schreck lass nach!"

Informal
"sich einen gewaltigen Schreck holen"

— To get a very big scare or a tremendous fright. It implies a strong and impactful startling experience.

Als er die Rechnung sah, holte er sich einen gewaltigen Schreck.

Informal/Neutral
"ein Schreck durchfährt jemanden"

— A fright shoots through someone. This idiom emphasizes the sudden and physical sensation of being startled.

Ein Schreck durchfuhr ihn, als er die Gestalt im Dunkeln sah.

Neutral
"jemandem einen Schreck einjagen"

— To frighten someone, to give them a scare. It describes the action of causing fright.

Der laute Knall jagte den Kindern einen Schreck ein.

Neutral
"vor Schreck"

— Out of fright; because of fright. This phrase indicates the reason for a particular action or reaction.

Vor Schreck konnte sie ihre Schlüssel nicht finden.

Neutral
"der Schreck sitzt tief"

— The fright is deep-seated; the person is still significantly affected by the scare.

Nach dem Beinahe-Unfall saß der Schreck tief in ihr.

Neutral
"einen Schreck verdauen"

— To get over a fright; to recover from a scare.

Er brauchte einige Zeit, um den Schreck zu verdauen.

Neutral
"Schreck und Schrecken"

— This phrase contrasts a sudden, acute fright ('Schreck') with a more profound, lingering terror or horror ('Schrecken'). It's often used for emphasis.

Der unerwartete Angriff war nicht nur ein Schreck, sondern ein wahrer Schrecken für die Stadt.

Literary/Emphatic
"Schreckgespenst"

— Literally 'fright ghost.' It refers to something or someone that causes fear or dread, often in an exaggerated or irrational way. It can be used for abstract concepts too.

Die Inflation ist für viele Menschen ein Schreckgespenst geworden.

Informal/Figurative
"jemandem den Schreck nehmen"

— To reassure someone after they've been frightened, to take away their fright.

Als sie merkte, dass es nur der Wind war, konnte er ihr den Schreck nehmen.

Neutral

Easily Confused

Schreck vs Schock

Both words describe a sudden negative emotional reaction to an event.

Schreck is typically a fleeting, immediate reaction of being startled. Schock can imply a more profound and lasting impact, sometimes with physical or psychological consequences. While often used interchangeably for everyday scares, Schock carries a heavier connotation in serious situations.

Der kleine Hund bellte und gab mir einen Schreck. (The small dog barked and gave me a fright.) Der Unfall war ein Schock für die ganze Familie und sie brauchten lange, um sich zu erholen. (The accident was a shock for the whole family and they needed a long time to recover.)

Schreck vs Angst

Both relate to negative feelings about potential harm or danger.

Angst is a general feeling of fear or anxiety, often about something anticipated or ongoing. Schreck is a sudden, involuntary reaction to something that has just happened unexpectedly. You have Angst vor Spinnen (fear of spiders), but you get a Schreck when a spider suddenly appears.

Sie hat Angst vor der Dunkelheit. (She has fear of the dark.) Als sie die Spinne auf dem Tisch sah, bekam sie einen Schreck. (When she saw the spider on the table, she got a fright.)

Schreck vs Erschrecken

Schreck is the noun form derived from the same root as the verb 'erschrecken'.

Schreck is the noun representing the fright or scare itself. Erschrecken is the verb meaning 'to be startled' or 'to frighten someone'. You 'erschrecken' (verb) and you 'bekommen einen Schreck' (noun phrase).

Der laute Knall erschreckte mich. (The loud bang startled me.) Der laute Knall gab mir einen Schreck. (The loud bang gave me a fright.)

Schreck vs Überraschung

A Schreck is often caused by a Überraschung.

Überraschung is the event or fact of being surprised, which can be positive or negative. Schreck is the negative emotional reaction (fright) caused by a surprise, particularly an unpleasant or startling one. A surprise party might cause Überraschung, but if it's too sudden, it could also cause a Schreck.

Die Überraschung war gelungen, aber der Schreck war groß. (The surprise was successful, but the fright was big.) Die Nachricht war eine unerwartete Überraschung. (The news was an unexpected surprise.)

Schreck vs Furcht

Both terms relate to negative emotions concerning danger.

Furcht is a more formal and often deeper, rational fear of something specific. Schreck is a sudden, acute, and often less rational reaction to an unexpected event. Furcht implies a conscious awareness of danger, while Schreck is more of an instinctive jolt.

Er überwand seine Furcht vor dem öffentlichen Reden. (He overcame his fear of public speaking.) Der plötzliche Schatten im Raum gab ihm einen Schreck. (The sudden shadow in the room gave him a fright.)

Sentence Patterns

A1

Ich habe einen Schreck.

Ich habe einen Schreck.

A2

Der [Noun] gab mir einen Schreck.

Der Hund gab mir einen Schreck.

A2

Sie bekam einen [Adjective] Schreck.

Sie bekam einen großen Schreck.

B1

Ich bekam einen Schreck, als [Subordinate Clause].

Ich bekam einen Schreck, als die Tür aufging.

B1

Ein [Adjective] Schreck durchfuhr [Dative Object].

Ein leichter Schreck durchfuhr sie.

B2

[Subject] jagte [Dative Object] einen Schreck ein.

Der plötzliche Lärm jagte mir einen Schreck ein.

B2

Der Schreck über [Noun Phrase] war groß.

Der Schreck über den Unfall war groß.

C1

Der Schreck, den [Relative Clause], ...

Der Schreck, den die Nachricht auslöste, war spürbar.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

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How to Use It

frequency

Very common in spoken and written German.

Common Mistakes
  • Using 'Schreck' as a verb. → Ich bekam einen Schreck.

    'Schreck' is a noun. The verb is 'erschrecken'. So, instead of saying 'Ich schreckte', you say 'Ich erschrak' or 'Ich bekam einen Schreck'.

  • Confusing 'Schreck' with 'Angst'. → Ich habe Angst vor Spinnen. (Fear of spiders) Ich bekam einen Schreck, als die Spinne auf mich zukam. (Fright from a spider appearing suddenly)

    'Schreck' is for a sudden, acute fright. 'Angst' is for a general, ongoing fear or anxiety.

  • Incorrect preposition use with the cause of the fright. → Der laute Knall gab mir einen Schreck. (The loud bang gave me a fright.)

    While understandable, directly linking 'Schreck' with 'von' can be less idiomatic than using verbs like 'geben' or 'verursachen' to connect the cause.

  • Pronouncing 'Sch' as 's' or 'ch'. → Schreck (pronounced like 'shreck')

    The 'sch' in German is pronounced like the 'sh' in English 'shoe'. Incorrect pronunciation can lead to misunderstandings.

  • Using 'Schreck' for any negative emotion. → Die Nachricht war ein Schreck für die Familie. (The news was a fright for the family.) Die Situation ist beunruhigend. (The situation is unsettling.)

    'Schreck' is specific to sudden, startling events. For general unease or worry, other words like 'Beunruhigung' or 'Sorge' are more appropriate.

Tips

Master the Common Phrase

The phrase 'einen Schreck bekommen' is incredibly common and essential for using 'Schreck' correctly. Practice this phrase in various sentences to internalize its meaning and usage.

Focus on the 'Sch' Sound

Ensure you pronounce the 'sch' at the beginning of 'Schreck' like the 'sh' in 'shoe'. Mispronouncing this can make the word unrecognizable to native speakers.

Distinguish from 'Angst'

Remember that 'Schreck' is for a sudden, acute fright, while 'Angst' is for ongoing fear or anxiety. Recognizing this distinction is crucial for accurate communication.

Use the 'Wreck' Mnemonic

Connect 'Schreck' to the English word 'wreck'. Imagine a sudden, shocking car 'wreck' that causes you to get a 'Schreck'. This visual and phonetic link can aid memory.

Noun vs. Verb

Always remember 'Schreck' is a noun. If you want to express the action of being startled, use the verb 'erschrecken' or the noun phrase 'einen Schreck bekommen'.

Learn 'Schreck lass nach!'

This informal idiom is very useful for reassuring someone after a scare. Knowing it will make your German sound more natural and colloquial.

Schreck vs. Schock

While often used interchangeably for everyday scares, 'Schock' can imply a deeper impact. Use 'Schreck' for the immediate jolt and 'Schock' when the impact is more significant or prolonged.

Describe Your Own Experiences

Think of times you've been startled and try to describe them in German using 'Schreck'. This active recall will solidify your understanding.

Listen for Context

When you hear 'Schreck', pay attention to the surrounding words and the situation. This will help you understand the intensity and specific nuance of the fright being described.

Expand with Related Words

Learn related words like 'erschrecken' (verb) and 'erschrocken' (adjective) to build a more comprehensive understanding of the concept of fright in German.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'wreck' (sounds like Schreck) caused by a sudden, unexpected event, like a car crash. The suddenness and shock of the wreck cause a 'Schreck'.

Visual Association

Picture a person jumping back with wide eyes, hands flying up, as if something has just startled them. This is the visual of experiencing a 'Schreck'.

Word Web

Sudden Fear Surprise Startle Alarm Jolt Shock Unexpected

Challenge

Try to describe a time you experienced a 'Schreck' using the phrase 'einen Schreck bekommen'. Focus on the unexpected nature of the event.

Word Origin

The word 'Schreck' originates from Middle High German 'srcrec' and Old High German 'scra(h)c'. These words referred to a sudden movement, a jerk, or a fright.

Original meaning: Sudden movement, jerk, fright.

Germanic languages.

Cultural Context

While 'Schreck' generally refers to a sudden, often brief scare, it's important to be mindful of context. For more severe or prolonged trauma, words like 'Trauma' or 'psychischer Schock' might be more appropriate. 'Schreck' typically implies a less severe, more everyday experience.

In English-speaking cultures, similar concepts are expressed by 'fright,' 'scare,' 'shock,' or 'startle.' The phrase 'to get a scare' is very close in meaning and usage to 'einen Schreck bekommen.'

The idiom 'Schreck lass nach!' is widely understood and used in German-speaking countries. Many German fairy tales and children's stories feature characters experiencing 'Schreck' when encountering unexpected or frightening elements. News reports about accidents or surprising events frequently use 'Schreck' to describe the impact on those involved.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Describing unexpected events.

  • einen Schreck bekommen
  • ein großer Schreck
  • unerwarteter Schreck

Recounting accidents or near-misses.

  • vor Schreck
  • sich einen Schreck holen
  • Schreck lass nach!

Talking about startling noises or sights.

  • ein leichter Schreck
  • Schreck einjagen
  • der Schreck sitzt tief

Expressing sudden alarm.

  • Was für ein Schreck!
  • Der Schreck war groß
  • etwas ist ein Schreck

Describing reactions to surprises or pranks.

  • einen Schreck bekommen
  • Schreck lass nach!
  • sich einen Schreck holen

Conversation Starters

"Hast du dich schon mal richtig erschreckt? Was ist passiert?"

"Gab es ein Ereignis, das dir einen großen Schreck eingejagt hat?"

"Erinnerst du dich an einen lustigen Schreck, den du jemandem eingejagt hast?"

"Wie reagierst du normalerweise, wenn du einen Schreck bekommst?"

"Gibt es etwas, das dir immer wieder einen kleinen Schreck einjagt?"

Journal Prompts

Beschreibe einen Moment, in dem du einen unerwarteten Schreck bekommen hast. Was war die Ursache und wie hast du dich gefühlt?

Denke an eine Situation, in der du jemandem einen Schreck eingejagt hast. War es beabsichtigt und wie war die Reaktion der Person?

Vergleiche das Gefühl von 'Schreck' mit dem Gefühl von 'Angst'. Wann würdest du das eine und wann das andere Wort verwenden?

Schreibe eine kurze Geschichte, in der das Wort 'Schreck' eine wichtige Rolle spielt.

Was sind deiner Meinung nach die häufigsten Ursachen für einen Schreck im Alltag?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

'Schreck' refers to a sudden, immediate fright or scare, often a fleeting reaction. 'Schock' can be similar for a sudden scare, but it often implies a more profound and potentially lasting impact, especially in medical or psychological contexts. For everyday startling events, they are often interchangeable, but 'Schreck' is more about the jolt of surprise, while 'Schock' can be deeper.

'Schreck' is a noun. The related verb for being startled or frightening someone is 'erschrecken'. You 'bekommen einen Schreck' (get a fright), you don't 'schrecken' as a verb for fright itself.

The most common way is using the phrase 'einen Schreck bekommen' (to get a fright). For example: 'Ich bekam einen Schreck, als das Licht ausging.' You can also use it as a subject or object, often with adjectives: 'Ein großer Schreck durchfuhr ihn.' (A big fright shot through him.)

'Schreck lass nach!' is an informal German idiom that means 'Calm down!' or 'Take it easy!' It's used to reassure someone after they've been startled or had a fright.

No, 'Schreck' specifically refers to a sudden, acute reaction. For ongoing fear or anxiety, you would use words like 'Angst' or 'Furcht'.

Common causes include sudden loud noises (bangs, alarms), unexpected appearances (someone jumping out, an animal suddenly appearing), near-misses (like in traffic), or startling sights.

'Schreck' is generally neutral and can be used in most contexts. However, phrases like 'Schreck lass nach!' are informal. In very formal academic or scientific writing, 'Schock' might be preferred for more profound impacts, but 'Schreck' is widely understood and used.

The plural form is 'Schrecke'. However, it is rarely used in everyday conversation and is more common in literary contexts or specific phrases. It's much more common to use 'Schreck' in singular form, often with quantifiers like 'ein großer Schreck' or 'viele Schrecke' (though the latter is also uncommon).

The 'sch' is pronounced like 'sh' in 'shoe'. The 'e' is a short, open vowel, like in 'bed'. The 'ck' is a sharp, short consonant sound. The stress is on the single syllable: /ʃrɛk/.

Related words include the verb 'erschrecken' (to be startled/frighten), the adjective 'erschrocken' (startled/frightened), and other nouns related to fear like 'Schock' (shock), 'Angst' (anxiety), and 'Furcht' (fear).

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