Schoß
/ʃoːs/masculine
The German word for the English phrase 'lap' is Schoß.
Schoß refers to the upper legs of a person who is sitting. It is a masculine noun. In biological or poetic contexts, the word can also literally mean 'womb' or 'belly'.
Meaning: upper legs of a seated person (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Schoß is Schöße. The grammatical case used depends on the verb: use the accusative case, such as in den Schoß, when using the verb legen (to lay/place). Use the dative case, such as auf dem Schoß, when using the verbs sitzen (to sit) or liegen (to lie).
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃoːs/
Did you know?
- The German word Schoß shares an ancestral root with the English word 'skirt'.
- The phrase Schoßkind describes a 'lap child', but it is also used figuratively to describe someone who is overly pampered or spoiled by their parents.
- In German, the term Schoß can be used to describe a protected or nurturing environment, such as im Schoße der Familie, meaning 'in the bosom of the family'.
Examples in context
- Maria legte ihren Kopf auf Toms Schoß.Mary rested her head on Tom's lap.This sentence is useful for showing how to rest a head on a Schoß.Tatoeba #6954196 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6940649 by Hybrid
- Sie saß bei ihrem Vater auf dem Schoß.She sat on her father's lap.This sentence is useful for showing the use of the dative case with the verb 'sitzen' and the phrase 'auf dem Schoß'.Tatoeba #12003938 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7403510 by CH
- Er saß bei seiner Mutter auf dem Schoß.He was sitting on his mother's lap.Tatoeba #13318549 by Waldelfe, translation #7391737 by CH
- Bitte nehmen Sie Platz auf meinem SchoßPlease have a seat on my lap
- Setz dich auf meinen SchoßSit on my lap
- Du kannst bei mir auf'n G'schoß sitzenYou can sit on my lap
- Sie setzte sich auf seinen Schoß.She sat on his lap.
- Schau, ein Schoßhund!Look, a lapdog!
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A mother and son are sitting on a park bench.
- LukasDarf ich auf deinen Schoß sitzen?May I sit on your lap?
- JuliaJa, komm her, mein Schatz.Yes, come here, my darling.
- LukasDanke, Julia.Thanks, Julia.
- JuliaGerne, Lukas.You're welcome, Lukas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lap” translations and entries Schoß, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Schoß, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
