Schere, Stein, Papier
/ˈʃeːrə ʃtaɪn paˈpiːɐ̯/word by wordneuter
The English phrase 'rock paper scissors' is 'Schere, Stein, Papier' in German. If unsure, use Schere, Stein, Papier. Wiktionary also lists Schnick Schnack Schnuck and Ching, Chang, Chong.
Meaning: popular child's game (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Schere, Stein, Papier | /ˈʃeːrə ʃtaɪn paˈpiːɐ̯/ (word by word) | neuter |
| Schnick Schnack Schnuck | neuter | |
| Ching, Chang, Chong | neuter | |
| Klick, Klack, Kluck | neuter |
This refers to the popular children's hand game. You can say you want to play the game by using the phrase with the verb spielen, as in Schere, Stein, Papier spielen.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the three components of the game: Schere means 'scissors', Stein means 'rock' and Papier means 'paper'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Schere, Stein, Papier is the standard name for the game. For a more colloquial and rhythmic version, often used when chanting the countdown, you can use Schnick Schnack Schnuck.
How does it change in a sentence?
All forms of this phrase are neuter nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃeːrə ʃtaɪn paˈpiːɐ̯/
Did you know?
- The modern German variant Klick is actually a loanword borrowed directly from the English word 'click'.
- The rhythmic chant Schnick Schnack Schnuck is likely derived from the word schnippen, which means 'to flick' or 'to snap' one's fingers.
Examples in context
- Schere, Stein, Papier.Rock, paper, scissors.This sentence shows the phrase used as a standalone chant.Tatoeba #415517 by xtofu80, translation #415516 by blay_paul
- Lassen wir heute den das Geschirr spülen, der bei Schere, Stein, Papier verliert!Let's have the one who loses at rock-paper-scissors do the dishwashing today!This sentence demonstrates using the game as a way to decide who performs a chore.Tatoeba #930832 by MUIRIEL, translation #930672 by bojnin
- Lass uns Schnick Schnack Schnuck spielen!Let's play Rock Paper Scissors!
- Hey, wir spielen Schnick Schnack Schnuck!Hey, let's play Rock Paper Scissors!
- Wir spielen Schere, Stein, Papier.We are playing rock paper scissors.
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding who goes first in a game.
- MaximilianWer fängt an?Who goes first?
- HannahLass uns Schere, Stein, Papier spielen.Let's play rock paper scissors.
- MaximilianAlles klar, Hannah.All right, Hannah.
- HannahBereit? Eins, zwei, drei!Ready? One, two, three!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rock paper scissors” translations and entries Schnick Schnack Schnuck, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (Schere, Stein, Papier) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Klick, Papier, Schere, Schnack, Schnick Schnack Schnuck, Stein, klack, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
