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
jemandem den Schneid abkaufen
to intimidate someone
To intimidate someone or take away their courage.
EXAMPLE
Lass dir von seinen Drohungen nicht den Schneid abkaufen.
Don't let his threats intimidate you.
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
Mut and Schneid both refer to the determination to face a difficult or risky situation. Schneid, however, is colloquial and often sounds more aggressive or daring, while Mut is neutral and appropriate in all standard situations. Use Schneid especially for an explicitly self-confident, challenging attitude.
Schneid
Er hatte den Schneid, den lauten Gegner direkt anzusprechen.
He had the nerve to address the loud opponent directly.
Mut
Für diesen schwierigen Schritt brauchte sie viel Mut.
She needed a lot of courage for this difficult step.
In real life
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