01
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
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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
'der Ruf' and 'der Schrei' can both be loud sounds made with the voice. 'der Ruf' often has a clear direction or intention: you call someone, warn someone, or want to get attention. 'der Schrei' is usually stronger and less controlled. It often expresses pain, fear, shock, or great joy. Learners may confuse the words because 'ein Ruf' can also be loud. The difference is: with 'ein Ruf', you usually want to communicate something or reach someone; 'ein Schrei' often comes from a strong emotion.
Schrei
Nach dem Unfall war ein lauter Schrei auf der Straße zu hören.
After the accident, a loud scream could be heard in the street.
Ruf
Beim Wandern hörten wir den Ruf eines Kindes, das seine Eltern suchte.
While hiking, we heard the call of a child who was looking for his parents.
In real life
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