schützen
/ˈʃʏ.t͡sn̩/
To protect in German is schützen. Wiktionary also lists beschützen.
Meaning: to keep safe (verb)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| schützen | /ˈʃʏ.t͡sn̩/ /ˈʃʏ.t͡sən/ |
| beschützen | [bəˈʃʏt͡sn̩] (narrow) |
The verb schützen is the basic translation for 'protect'.
Which one should you use?
While both mean to protect, beschützen is used specifically for the physical protection of a person or a specific object from a direct threat, often carrying the sense of 'to guard'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both schützen and beschützen are transitive verbs and take a direct accusative object.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃʏ.tsn̩/. The stress is on the first of two syllables.
Did you know?
- The root of schützen is also related to the German word schießen, which means 'to shoot', suggesting a historical connection between projectile movement and creating barriers.
- While 'protect' in English comes from the Latin root for 'covering', the German schützen evokes the image of a dam or a barrier.
- The verb schützen can be used in compound words to describe everything from 'sunscreen' (Sonnenschutz) to 'protection laws' (Schutzgesetze).
Examples in context
- Du mußt Tom schützen.You have to protect Tom.This sentence shows how to use schützen to express necessity regarding a person.Tatoeba #12659583 by Waldelfe, translation #9676475 by CK
- Wie die Natur schützen?How can one protect nature?This sentence shows how to use schützen in a question about nature.Tatoeba #13446593 by Waldelfe, translation #13428932 by frpzzd
- Ich kann sie beschützen.I can protect them.This sentence shows how to use beschützen with an object.Tatoeba #8082525 by Luiaard, translation #3911006 by CH
- Bitte schützen Sie mich!Please protect me!
- Könnten Sie mich bitte schützen?Could you please protect me?
- Bitte pass auf meine Sachen auf!Please watch my things!
- Ich möchte meine Wertsachen schützen.I want to protect my valuables.
- Lasst uns die Umwelt schützen!Let's protect the environment!
- Es ist unsere Verantwortung, unsere Natur zu schützen.It is our responsibility to protect our nature.
- Es ist wichtig, sich selbst zu schützen.It is important to protect oneself.
- Ich trage Pfefferspray zum Selbstschutz.I carry pepper spray for self-defense.
- 214 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Sarah are discussing how to keep their digital data safe.
- FelixWie können wir unsere Daten schützen?How can we protect our data?
- SarahWir sollten ein starkes Passwort nutzen.We should use a strong password.
- FelixDas wird die Informationen schützen.That will protect the information.
- SarahGenau, Felix.Exactly, Felix.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “protect” translations and entries schützen, beschützen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries beschützen, schützen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
