01
beschießen
to shell
To shoot repeatedly or intensely at a target with firearms, artillery, or other projectiles.
example
Die Burg wurde von den Angreifern mit Kanonen beschossen.
The castle was shelled with cannons by the attackers.
beschießen
to shell / bombard
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Inseparable verb
'Beschießen' (to shell/bombard) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'be-' always stays attached to the stem 'schießen' (to shoot), including in the participle and in subordinate clauses.
EXAMPLE
Die Soldaten haben die feindliche Stellung beschossen.
The soldiers shelled the enemy position.
Word structure
The prefix 'be-' makes the verb 'schießen' (to shoot) transitive, meaning it needs a direct accusative object. It often intensifies the action and emphasizes that the target is hit directly and intensely.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder beschossen sich gegenseitig mit Wasserbomben.
The children bombarded each other with water balloons.
Context clue
Whether the literal or figurative meaning is intended can be recognized from the object. If weapons or projectiles are mentioned, it is about real shooting. If questions, criticism, or words are mentioned, it is meant figuratively.
EXAMPLE
Die Festung wurde mit Kanonen beschossen. (wörtlich)
The fortress was shelled with cannons. (literal)
Sentence structure
In the figurative meaning, the structure 'jemanden mit etwas (Dativ) beschießen' (to bombard someone with something) is almost always used. The 'something' is the verbal 'ammunition.'
EXAMPLE
Die Journalisten beschossen den Sprecher mit Vorwürfen.
The journalists bombarded the spokesperson with accusations.
Compare with
beschießen vs schießen
to shoot
'schießen' and 'beschießen' can both mean that shots are fired. 'schießen' describes the action itself: someone fires a weapon or a projectile. 'beschießen' focuses more strongly on a target and usually means that this target is shot at repeatedly or intensely. You can also say figuratively that someone is 'beschossen' with questions or accusations. Learners may confuse the words because 'beschießen' looks like a longer form of 'schießen'. The important point is: 'schießen' is more neutral and general, while 'beschießen' emphasizes the target and the intensity.
beschießen
Die Reporter beschossen den Minister nach der Sitzung mit vielen Fragen.
After the meeting, the reporters bombarded the minister with many questions.
schießen
Auf dem Schießstand schießt der Polizist nur auf eine Zielscheibe.
At the shooting range, the police officer only shoots at a target.
In real life
Loading video examples...