01
schon
already
Expresses that something has happened earlier than expected or has already happened.
example
Hast du deine Hausaufgaben schon gemacht?
Have you already done your homework?
schon
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Meanings
01 / 05
Usage tips
Sentence position
The position of 'schon' in the sentence is flexible, but it usually appears in the middle part of the sentence, often directly after the verb or the subject. Its position can slightly change the emphasis.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe das schon erledigt.
I have already taken care of that.
Context clue
The exact meaning of 'schon' depends heavily on tone of voice and context. A question with 'schon' can express impatience, while a statement with 'schon' often has a reassuring or confirming effect.
EXAMPLE
Das wird schon wieder.
It’ll be okay again.
Use with the perfect tense
In the meaning of 'bereits' (already), 'schon' is very often used in sentences in the perfect tense to ask or say that an action has been completed.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe den Film schon gesehen.
I’ve already seen the film.
Typical expressions
In its reassuring function, 'schon' often appears in fixed, optimistic expressions. Common ones are 'Das wird schon!' (It’ll be okay!), 'Das klappt schon!' (It’ll work out!), or 'Passt schon!' (It’s fine!).
EXAMPLE
Mach dir keine Sorgen, das wird schon klappen.
Don’t worry, it’ll work out.
Sentence structure with 'aber'
When 'schon' introduces a limitation, a second part of the sentence with 'aber' (but) almost always follows. The structure is: [statement] schon, aber [contrasting statement].
EXAMPLE
Die Wohnung ist schon schön, aber sie ist zu teuer.
The apartment is admittedly nice, but it’s too expensive.
Compare with
schon vs denn
because
'denn' and 'schon' can both appear in questions and change the mood of the question. 'denn' often makes a question friendlier, more interested, or more personal: you ask because you really want to know what is going on. In questions, 'schon' often sounds impatient or rhetorical, as if you almost expect the answer. They are easy to confuse because both are small particles and are not easy to translate. As a simple guide: 'denn' sounds more curious, while 'schon' tends to express impatience or doubt.
schon
Wer kommt schon freiwillig so früh zur Besprechung?
Who would voluntarily come to the meeting that early?
denn
Was machst du denn am Wochenende?
What are you doing this weekend?
In real life
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