01
der Schneid
guts / nerve
Courage, boldness, or determination, often in a challenging or risky situation. Usually used colloquially.
example
Er hatte nicht den Schneid, ihr die Wahrheit zu sagen.
He didn't have the guts to tell her the truth.
der Schneid
guts / nerve
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'der Schneid' (guts/nerve) is related to the verb 'schneiden' (to cut). Figuratively, it describes a person's 'sharpness' or determination.
EXAMPLE
Mit viel Schneid präsentierte sie ihre unkonventionelle Idee vor dem Vorstand.
With a lot of nerve, she presented her unconventional idea to the board.
Sentence structure and use
In the meaning 'Mut' (courage), 'Schneid' is almost always used with the verb 'haben' (to have), often in the construction 'den Schneid haben, etwas zu tun' (to have the guts to do something). It is also frequently negated.
EXAMPLE
Sie hatte den Schneid, ihrem Chef zu widersprechen.
She had the guts to contradict her boss.
Register
The word 'Schneid' (guts/nerve) is mainly used in colloquial speech. It often sounds somewhat admiring or approving.
EXAMPLE
Wow, du hast wirklich Schneid, das so offen anzusprechen!
Wow, you really have guts to bring that up so openly!
Fixed expression
The phrase 'jemandem den Schneid abkaufen' (to intimidate someone / take away someone's nerve) is a fixed idiom. The person who is intimidated or loses courage is always in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Der erfahrene Gegner versuchte, dem jungen Spieler den Schneid abzukaufen.
The experienced opponent tried to intimidate the young player.
Compare with
Schneid vs Mut
courage
'der Mut' and 'der Schneid' can both mean that someone dares to do something difficult. 'Mut' is neutral and suitable in almost all situations. 'Schneid' is more colloquial and often sounds a bit stronger or cheekier. It is used especially when someone acts decisively or does not let themselves be intimidated. The words can be confused because they seem similar in some sentences. But 'Mut' is usually the safer choice. 'Schneid' is more suited to casual language, including in the expression 'jemandem den Schneid abkaufen' (to intimidate someone), meaning to take away someone's courage.
Schneid
Tom hatte den Schneid, dem Chef im Meeting offen zu widersprechen.
Tom had the nerve to openly contradict the boss in the meeting.
Mut
Für die Bewerbung im Ausland braucht Lena viel Mut.
Lena needs a lot of courage to apply for the job abroad.
In real life
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