01
der Schein
bill
A banknote; a paper money bill.
example
Kannst du mir den Fünfzig-Euro-Schein in kleinere Scheine wechseln?
Can you change this fifty-euro bill into smaller bills for me?
der Schein
bill / glow / appearance
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 05
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Schein' (bill/glow/appearance) is closely related to the verb 'scheinen' (to shine/to seem). 'Scheinen' means 'to emit light' (hence 'Schein' as light) and 'to appear/seem' (hence 'Schein' as an outward impression).
EXAMPLE
Die Sonne scheint.
The sun is shining.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'Der Schein trügt' (appearances are deceiving) is very common. It means that reality is different from how it looks at first glance.
EXAMPLE
Sie lächelt immer, aber ich glaube, sie ist unglücklich. Der Schein trügt oft.
She always smiles, but I think she is unhappy. Appearances are often deceiving.
Fixed expression
The expression 'zum Schein' (for show) means that an action is only pretended and not real. It functions like an adverb in the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Sie weinte nur zum Schein, um Mitleid zu bekommen.
She only cried for show in order to get sympathy.
Typical collocations
When 'Schein' (bill) means a banknote, the value is often stated, e.g. 'ein Zehn-Euro-Schein' (a ten-euro bill). Common verbs are 'wechseln' (to change), 'herausgeben' (to give out as change), or 'bezahlen mit' (to pay with).
EXAMPLE
Haben Sie auch einen kleineren Schein? Ich kann den Hunderter nicht wechseln.
Do you also have a smaller bill? I can't change the hundred.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'Licht' (light), 'Schein' (glow) is often combined with a light source in the genitive: 'der Schein der Sonne' (the glow of the sun), 'der Schein des Mondes' (the glow of the moon), or 'der Schein einer Kerze' (the glow of a candle).
EXAMPLE
Wir saßen im romantischen Schein des Feuers.
We sat in the romantic glow of the fire.
Context: university
In a university setting, a 'Schein' (certificate) is proof of credit for a successfully completed course. A typical phrase is 'einen Schein machen' (to earn a certificate/credit).
EXAMPLE
Ich muss dieses Semester noch zwei Scheine in Germanistik machen.
I still have to earn two certificates in German studies this semester.
Compare with
Schein vs Licht
light
'das Licht' and 'der Schein' can both mean brightness. 'Licht' is the more general word for brightness, or for what a lamp, the sun, or a fire produces. 'Schein' is more about the visible glow that comes from a specific source, for example 'Kerzenschein' (candlelight), 'Mondschein' (moonlight), or 'der Schein einer Lampe' (the glow of a lamp). 'Schein' often sounds a bit more specific or figurative. You can confuse the words, but in everyday language 'Licht' is usually more neutral; 'Schein' fits especially when you want to emphasize the glow itself.
Schein
Der Schein der Kerze machte das Zimmer gemütlich.
The glow of the candle made the room feel cozy.
Licht
Im Flur ist zu wenig Licht, deshalb sehe ich die Stufen kaum.
There is too little light in the hallway, so I can hardly see the steps.
In real life
Loading video examples...