01
der Schuss
shot
The firing of a bullet or projectile from a firearm.
example
Der Jäger gab einen Schuss auf das Wildschwein ab.
The hunter fired a shot at the wild boar.
der Schuss
shot
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 06
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'der Schuss' (the shot) is derived directly from the verb 'schießen' (to shoot). When you shoot, you 'einen Schuss abgeben' (fire a shot). This connection helps you remember both words together.
EXAMPLE
Der Polizist schoss in die Luft, um den Angreifer zu warnen.
The police officer shot into the air to warn the attacker.
Context clues
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Schuss' (shot/splash) from the context. In connection with weapons, it is about a projectile. In sports, a ball is meant. In connection with drinks or food, it means a small amount of liquid.
EXAMPLE
Der Stürmer verfehlte das Tor mit seinem Schuss nur knapp.
The striker narrowly missed the goal with his shot.
Typical verbs
When it comes to firing a weapon, the phrase 'einen Schuss abgeben' (to fire a shot) is often used. When you hear the sound, people often say 'ein Schuss fiel' (a shot rang out/was fired) or 'einen Schuss hören' (to hear a shot).
EXAMPLE
Der Soldat musste zur Warnung einen Schuss abgeben.
The soldier had to fire a warning shot.
Typical collocations
This meaning is almost always used in the combination 'ein Schuss' (a splash/dash) followed by a liquid. Typical examples are 'ein Schuss Milch' (a splash of milk) in coffee, 'ein Schuss Sahne' (a dash of cream) in soup, or 'ein Schuss Rum' (a splash of rum) in tea.
EXAMPLE
Er trinkt seinen Tee immer mit einem Schuss Zitrone.
He always drinks his tea with a splash of lemon.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'ein Schuss in den Ofen sein' (to be a complete flop) is a fixed unit. It describes a project that fails completely and produces no result, figuratively as if someone were shooting into a cold oven.
EXAMPLE
Meine Idee, im Winter zu grillen, war ein totaler Schuss in den Ofen.
My idea of having a barbecue in winter was a total flop.
Use with verbs
The expression 'in Schuss' (in good shape) is combined with different verbs. 'Etwas in Schuss bringen' means to repair something or get it into good shape. 'Etwas in Schuss halten' means to maintain it regularly. 'Etwas ist in Schuss' describes its good condition.
EXAMPLE
Am Wochenende will ich den Garten wieder in Schuss bringen.
This weekend I want to get the garden back into good shape.
Compare with
Schuss vs Pass
passport / pass
'der Pass' and 'der Schuss' can both be actions with the ball in sports. With a 'Pass', you play the ball to a teammate. With a 'Schuss', you play the ball toward the goal. Learners may confuse the words because both often occur in soccer and have to do with kicking or playing the ball. The simple rule is: to a teammate, it is a 'Pass'; toward the goal, it is a 'Schuss'.
Schuss
Nach dem schnellen Angriff ging der Schuss knapp neben das Tor.
After the quick attack, the shot went just wide of the goal.
Pass
Der Pass zu Max war genau, und er konnte weiterlaufen.
The pass to Max was accurate, and he was able to keep running.
In real life
Loading video examples...