der Schrei
scream
A loud, inarticulate sound produced with the human voice, often as an expression of pain, fear, or joy.
EXAMPLE
Man hörte einen lauten Schrei, als sie die Spinne sah.
You could hear a loud scream when she saw the spider.
der Schrei
scream
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Meanings
der letzte Schrei
the latest craze
A fixed expression that refers to the very newest and most fashionable thing, especially in fashion.
EXAMPLE
Diese weiten Hosen sind im Moment der letzte Schrei.
These wide pants are the latest craze at the moment.
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Schrei' (the scream) is the noun corresponding to the verb 'schreien' (to scream). While the verb describes the action, the noun refers to the sound that results from it.
EXAMPLE
Das Baby begann laut zu schreien.
The baby began to scream loudly.
Fixed expression
The phrase 'der letzte Schrei' (the latest craze) is a fixed expression. It means 'the very latest thing' or 'ultra-modern' and is used almost exclusively in this form, often in the context of fashion and trends.
EXAMPLE
Diese Art von Sonnenbrille ist gerade der letzte Schrei.
This type of sunglasses is the latest craze right now.
Context clue
The two meanings are easy to distinguish. If 'Schrei' appears together with the word 'letzte', the fashionable meaning is always intended. In all other cases, it refers to a loud human sound.
EXAMPLE
Plötzlich hörte man einen Schrei aus dem Nebenzimmer.
Suddenly, a scream could be heard from the next room.
Typical collocations
A scream is often described more precisely with an adjective. Typical combinations are 'ein lauter Schrei' (a loud scream), 'ein spitzer Schrei' (a high-pitched scream), or 'ein gellender Schrei' (a piercing scream). You can also name the reason: 'ein Schrei der Angst' (a scream of fear) or 'ein Schrei der Freude' (a cry of joy).
EXAMPLE
Sie stieß einen spitzen Schrei aus, als sie die Maus sah.
She let out a high-pitched scream when she saw the mouse.
Compare with
Schrei vs Ruf
reputation / call
Both words can refer to a loud sound that draws other people’s attention. “Der Ruf” emphasizes deliberately calling out or communicating with someone, while “der Schrei” focuses more on a loud, often emotional sound. Use “Ruf” for a targeted call and “Schrei” for fear, pain, or strong excitement.
Schrei
Durch einen lauten Schrei zeigte sie ihre Angst vor dem herabfallenden Ast.
With a loud scream, she showed her fear of the falling branch.
Ruf
Durch einen lauten Ruf machte sie den Wanderer auf den Weg aufmerksam.
With a loud call, she drew the hiker’s attention to the path.
In real life
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