01
schrill
shrill
Describes a very high-pitched, piercing, and often unpleasant tone or sound.
example
Der schrille Pfiff der Trillerpfeife tat in den Ohren weh.
The shrill whistle of the referee's whistle hurt his ears.
schrill
shrill
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning of 'schrill' depends on the noun it describes. If it refers to a sound, it means 'high-pitched and piercing.' If it describes colors or clothing, it means 'garish and conspicuous.' For a person, it describes eccentric behavior.
EXAMPLE
Der schrille Alarm weckte das ganze Haus.
The shrill alarm woke the whole house.
Typical collocations: sound
In the acoustic meaning, 'schrill' is often combined with sounds that are unpleasant to the ear. Typical phrases are 'eine schrille Stimme' (a shrill voice), 'ein schriller Pfiff' (a shrill whistle), or 'ein schriller Alarmton' (a shrill alarm tone).
EXAMPLE
Das Baby fing an, schrill zu schreien.
The baby started screaming shrilly.
Typical collocations: appearance
When it comes to appearance, 'schrill' describes something visually overloaded. Common combinations are 'schrille Farben' (garish colors), 'ein schrilles Outfit' (a garish outfit), or 'schrilles Make-up' (garish makeup).
EXAMPLE
Die Wände waren in schrillen Farben gestrichen.
The walls were painted in garish colors.
Compare with
schrill vs laut
loud / according to
'laut' and 'schrill' can both describe something that is strongly audible. 'laut' mainly says something about volume: a sound, a voice, or music is not quiet. 'schrill' is more specific and often more negative: it means a high-pitched, piercing, and unpleasant sound. For people or behavior, 'schrill' can also mean that someone seems very conspicuous and exaggerated. Learners may confuse the words because a shrill sound is usually also loud. But not everything that is 'laut' is also 'schrill'.
schrill
Der schrille Ton des Alarms erschreckt die Gäste im Hotel.
The shrill sound of the alarm frightens the guests in the hotel.
laut
Im Zug telefoniert ein Mann so laut, dass alle zuhören müssen.
On the train, a man is talking on the phone so loudly that everyone has to listen.
In real life
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