01
schicken
to send
To send or have something (e.g., a letter or package) or someone transported to another place.
example
Ich muss heute noch ein Paket an meine Schwester schicken.
I still have to send a package to my sister today.
schicken
to send
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Sentence structure with two objects
When you send someone something, the verb 'schicken' (to send) usually needs two objects: the person in the dative and the thing in the accusative. Normally, the person comes before the thing.
EXAMPLE
Ich schicke meiner Oma eine Postkarte aus dem Urlaub.
I am sending my grandma a postcard from vacation.
Formal expression
The reflexive form 'sich schicken' means 'to be proper' or 'to be appropriate.' It is almost always used in the impersonal construction 'Es schickt sich (nicht), zu...' (It is/is not proper to...) and is considered formal or somewhat old-fashioned.
EXAMPLE
Es schickt sich nicht, während des Essens auf das Handy zu schauen.
It is not proper to look at your phone during a meal.
Reflexive with preposition
The expression 'sich in etwas schicken' (to resign oneself to something) is a fixed reflexive construction. It means to accept an unpleasant but unchangeable situation. It is always used with the preposition 'in' and the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Er musste sich in sein Schicksal schicken und die neue Situation annehmen.
He had to resign himself to his fate and accept the new situation.
Compare with
schicken vs passen
to fit / suit / pass
'passen' and 'sich schicken' can both express that something is appropriate. 'passen' is very common and neutral in contemporary German. It is used for appointments, clothing, colors, situations, or behavior. 'sich schicken' mainly means that something is correct or decent according to social rules. Today it sounds rather formal or old-fashioned. Learners may confuse the words because both can mean 'to be appropriate'. In everyday language, 'passen' is almost always the safe choice; 'sich schicken' is more suitable for polite or strict behavior.
schicken
Bei einer offiziellen Feier schickt es sich nicht, zu spät zu kommen.
At an official celebration, it is not proper to arrive late.
passen
Der Termin am Abend passt mir heute gut.
The appointment in the evening suits me well today.
In real life
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