schneiden
/ˈʃnaɪ̯dən/
The German verb for 'cut' is schneiden.
The verb schneiden is used to describe dividing something using a sharp instrument. Depending on the context and desired nuance, other terms may be more specific: Zerschneiden is a formal way to describe cutting something into smaller pieces or shredding it, while Abschneiden von is used formally to indicate cutting something off or severing it from something else. In an informal setting, specifically when preparing food like vegetables into small pieces, the term Schnippeln is commonly used.
Meaning: to divide with a sharp instrument (verb)
Which one should you use?
While schneiden is the standard term, you might use Zerschneiden for shredding or Abschneiden von for severing. For food preparation in casual contexts, Schnippeln is the preferred informal choice.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The third person singular present tense is schneidet, and the simple past form is schnitt. The past participle is geschnitten. The noun for 'the cut' is der Schnitt, and the related adjective geschnitten can also be used in the context of bodybuilding to describe muscles that stand out.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃnaɪ̯dən/
Did you know?
- The English word 'snide' actually shares the same ancient root as schneiden, originating from the idea of a 'cut' or a 'sharp' remark.
- When talking about cards, the German term for 'shuffling' the deck by splitting it into piles is schneiden.
- The verb schneiden is also used in German to describe the act of tailoring or fitting clothes to a person's body.
Examples in context
- In dünne Streifen schneiden.Cut it in thin strips.This sentence shows how to use schneiden for cutting things into thin strips.Tatoeba #5336243 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5336104 by Amittai
- In lange Streifen schneiden.Cut into long thin strips.This sentence demonstrates using schneiden for cutting into long strips.Tatoeba #11565196 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #273140 by sundown
- Schneiden Sie sich die Haare!Cut your hair!This sentence shows how to use schneiden when giving a command to cut hair.Tatoeba #12794496 by Naina, translation #12522098 by mak
- Um das Papier zu schneiden, nutzen wir eine Schere.To cut the paper, we use scissors.
- Bitte zerschneiden Sie das Dokument in vier Teile.Please cut the document into four pieces.
- Können Sie diese Äste abschneiden, bitte?Can you please cut these branches?
- Schneiden Sie die Enden der Schnüre bitte ab.Please cut off the ends of the strings.
- Können wir den Film ein bisschen kürzen?Can we cut the movie a bit?
- Kannst du bitte die Möhren schnippeln?Can you please cut the carrots into small pieces?
- Die Pflanzen im Garten müssen zurückgeschnitten werden.The plants in the garden need to be cut back.
- 119 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are preparing vegetables in the kitchen.
- LukasSoll ich die Tomaten schneiden?Should I cut the tomatoes?
- HannahJa, bitte schneide sie in Scheiben.Yes, please cut them into slices.
- LukasBrauchst du Hilfe beim Schneiden?Do you need help with the cutting?
- HannahNein danke, ich mache das alleine.No thanks, I will do it alone.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cut” translations and entries schneiden, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries schneiden, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
