01
schreien
to scream
To produce a loud, inarticulate sound, often in response to strong emotions such as pain, fear, anger, or great joy.
example
Das Kind schrie vor Schmerz, als es hinfiel.
The child screamed in pain when it fell down.
schreien
to scream
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Reason for screaming
To state the reason for screaming, the preposition 'vor' with the dative is often used, especially with emotions. The phrase 'aus vollem Hals' (at the top of one's lungs) is also common.
EXAMPLE
Die Fans schrien vor Freude, als ihr Team das Tor schoss.
The fans screamed with joy when their team scored the goal.
Use without an object
In the meaning 'to produce a loud sound,' 'schreien' (to scream) can often stand alone, without an object or a preposition. This is especially common with babies or in sudden moments of fright.
EXAMPLE
Als sie die Spinne sah, musste sie laut schreien.
When she saw the spider, she had to scream loudly.
Fixed expression
The expression 'schreien nach' (to cry out for) is used figuratively and means that a situation urgently requires a solution. The thing that needs the solution is the subject of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Die unübersichtliche Kreuzung schreit nach einer Ampel.
The confusing intersection is crying out for a traffic light.
Figurative meaning
When colors or patterns are described as 'schreiend' (screaming), it means they are extremely noticeable and garish. This is often intensified with adverbs such as 'förmlich' (practically/literally) or 'geradezu' (downright).
EXAMPLE
Ihre Jacke war in einem schreienden Orange gehalten.
Her jacket was in a screaming orange.
Compare with
schreien vs rufen
to call
'rufen' and 'schreien' can both mean that someone is speaking very loudly. But 'rufen' is often more targeted: you call out a name, a request, or a short message so that someone hears it. 'schreien' sounds stronger and more emotional. It fits fear, pain, anger, or when someone is speaking extremely loudly. Learners may confuse the words because both are loud. As a guide: if the message is important but not necessarily emotional, 'rufen' usually fits. If the volume or the feeling is the main focus, 'schreien' fits better.
schreien
Vor Schreck hat das Kind laut geschrien.
The child screamed loudly in fright.
rufen
Am Bahnsteig ruft die Mutter ihrem Kind noch schnell etwas zu.
On the platform, the mother quickly calls something out to her child.
In real life
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