Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Schiedsrichter | /ˈʃiːt͡sˌʁɪçtɐ/ | masculine |
| Schiedsrichterin | feminine | |
| Referee | /ˈʁɛfəʁi/ /ʁefəˈʁiː/ |
masculine |
In a sporting context, a referee is a Schiedsrichter. Depending on the specific sport, other terms may be used. For instance, in combat sports like boxing or wrestling, a referee is called a Kampfrichter. In football, a linesman or referee assistant is known as a Linienrichter.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Schiedsrichter is a compound noun. The first part, Schieds-, comes from Scheiden, meaning to separate or decide and the second part, Richter, means judge.
Which one should you use?
Schiedsrichter is the masculine form. Schiedsrichterin is the feminine form. While Referee is also used in German, Schiedsrichter is the standard term.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Schiedsrichter is the most widely used term and is appropriate for any formal situation. In casual conversation, you may use the colloquial and friendly term Schiri.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form Schiedsrichterin becomes Schiedsrichterinnen in the plural. To describe the action of acting as a referee, you can use the verbs schiedsrichtern or pfeifen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃiːtsˌʁɪçtɐ/
Did you know?
- In German, a person who acts as a mediator or an arbitrator in a non-sporting conflict is also called a Schiedsrichter.
- The term Schiedsrichter is closely related to the word Schiedsgericht, which refers to an arbitration court used to settle legal disputes outside of a standard courtroom.
- The word Richter used in Schiedsrichter is the same word Germans use for a judge in a court of law.
Examples in context
- Der Schiedsrichter pfiff ein Foul.The referee blew for a foul.This sentence shows the use of the masculine form Schiedsrichter with a verb for blowing a whistle.Tatoeba #12193114 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11818453 by sundown
- Der Schiedsrichter pfiff das Spiel ab.The referee blew his whistle to end the match.This sentence shows the masculine form Schiedsrichter used in the context of ending a match.Tatoeba #568445 by samueldora, translation #268945 by CM
- Der Schiedsrichter hat Eckstoß gegeben.The referee has given a corner kick.This sentence shows the masculine form Schiedsrichter used when awarding a corner kick.Tatoeba #11916821 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11818446 by sundown
- Der Schiedsrichter hat eine klare Entscheidung getroffenThe referee made a clear decision
- Der Schiri hat eine klasse Leistung gebrachtThe ref did a great job
- 50 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Sarah are watching a soccer match on TV.
- FelixDer Schiedsrichter ist wirklich schlecht.The referee is really bad.
- SarahJa, er hat das Foul nicht gesehen.Yes, he didn't see the foul.
- FelixDer Schiedsrichter muss eine Karte zeigen.The referee must show a card.
- SarahDas ist seine Aufgabe.That is his job.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “referee” translations and entries Schiedsrichter, Schiedsrichterin, Referee, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
