der Schnabel
beak
The hard, protruding mouthpart of a bird.
EXAMPLE
Der Papagei knackte die Nüsse mit seinem kräftigen Schnabel.
The parrot cracked the nuts with its strong beak.
der Schnabel
beak
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
der Schnabel
mouth
Colloquial and often derogatory for the human mouth.
EXAMPLE
Halt den Schnabel, ich will jetzt meine Ruhe haben!
Shut your mouth; I want some peace and quiet now!
der Schnabel
spout
The spout-shaped pouring opening on a vessel, for example on a pot or jug.
EXAMPLE
Gieß das Wasser vorsichtig aus dem Schnabel der Kanne.
Pour the water carefully from the spout of the pot.
Usage tips
Context clues
The meaning of 'Schnabel' (beak) is usually clear. In a biological context, it refers to birds; colloquially, to the human mouth; and with objects, to a pouring opening.
EXAMPLE
Der Pelikan hat einen riesigen Schnabel.
The pelican has a huge beak.
Colloquial use
When 'Schnabel' (beak/mouth) is used for the human mouth, it is always colloquial and often rude or disrespectful. You should use it only in very informal situations.
EXAMPLE
Dem Kind ist ein großer Schnabel gewachsen, es redet den ganzen Tag.
The child has gotten a big mouth; he talks all day.
Fixed expression
The command 'Halt den Schnabel!' means 'Be quiet!' It is a very common but rude expression and is often used when someone is annoyed.
EXAMPLE
Als er nicht aufhörte zu reden, sagte sie wütend: „Jetzt halt endlich den Schnabel!“
When he wouldn't stop talking, she said angrily, 'Now finally shut your mouth!'
Compare with
Schnabel vs Mund
mouth
Mund is the neutral term for the corresponding body part of a human being. Schnabel can also refer to the human mouth, but it sounds colloquial and often mocking or derogatory. Mund therefore fits a matter-of-fact statement, while Schnabel can be used in a deliberately disrespectful remark.
Schnabel
Spöttisch sagte er, sein Bruder solle endlich den Schnabel halten.
Mockingly, he said that his brother should finally shut his mouth.
Mund
Die Ärztin untersucht den Mund des Patienten.
The doctor examines the patient's mouth.
In real life
Loading video examples...