01
schallen
to resound
To produce a loud, far-reaching, and often echoing sound. Often used for voices, laughter, music, or calls.
example
Ihr Lachen schallte durch den ganzen Saal.
Her laughter resounded through the entire hall.
schallen
to resound
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'schallen' (to resound) is closely related to the noun 'der Schall' (sound), which means 'Klang' (sound) or 'Geräusch' (noise). So when something 'schallt' (resounds), it produces sound.
EXAMPLE
Der Schall der Glocken war im ganzen Dorf zu hören.
The sound of the bells could be heard throughout the whole village.
Register and style
'Schallen' (to resound) is a rather elevated and poetic word. You find it more often in literature or descriptive texts than in everyday spoken language.
EXAMPLE
Die Trompeten schallten zur Eröffnung des Festes.
The trumpets resounded at the opening of the festival.
Typical collocations
Typically, it is loud, clear sounds that 'schallen' (resound): laughter, calls, music, or a loud voice. A preposition is often used to indicate where the sound travels, e.g. 'durch den Wald' (through the forest) or 'über den Platz' (across the square).
EXAMPLE
Sein lautes Rufen schallte über den See.
His loud calling resounded across the lake.
Compare with
schallen vs klingen
to sound
'klingen' and 'schallen' both have to do with sounds. 'klingen' is neutral and can be quiet or loud; it simply describes that something has a sound. 'schallen' is used more when a sound is loud, can be heard from far away, or travels through a room or area. This often fits with calls, music, laughter, or voices. If you only want to describe the quality of a sound, 'klingen' is more natural. If you want to show that the sound is strong and audible from far away, 'schallen' fits better.
schallen
Aus dem Stadion schallen laute Rufe bis zur Straße.
Loud shouts from the stadium carry all the way to the street.
klingen
Die neue Türklingel klingt viel heller als die alte.
The new doorbell sounds much brighter than the old one.
In real life
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