Schal
/ʃaːl/masculine
The German word for scarf is Schal.
Schal refers to a long garment worn around the neck.
Meaning: long garment worn around the neck (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Schal refers to a long, often thick garment for warmth, Halstuch is typically used for smaller, decorative neckerchiefs or lightweight scarves.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because Schal is a masculine noun, it changes from der Schal to den Schal when it is the direct object of a sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃaːl/
Did you know?
- While the noun Schal refers to a warm accessory, the lowercase adjective schal describes a drink that has become flat or lost its bubbles.
- While we use 'shawl' in English, the German Schal actually traces its roots back to the Persian word šâl.
Examples in context
- Sie häkelt einen Schal.She is crocheting a scarf.This sentence shows the use of the verb for crocheting with Schal.Tatoeba #8639201 by Melang, translation #8935437 by sundown
- Sie strickt einen Schal.She is knitting a scarf.This sentence shows the use of the verb for knitting with Schal.Tatoeba #1909891 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1908943 by Spamster
- Maria strickte einen Schal.Mary knitted a scarf.This sentence shows the use of the past tense of knit with Schal.Tatoeba #7851987 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7563130 by Hybrid
- Kannst du mir bitte den Schal geben?Could you please pass me the scarf?
- Ich habe ein schönes Halstuch gefunden.I found a beautiful scarf.
- 57 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Laura are walking outside in the cold.
- JulianEs ist kalt, nimm meinen Schal.It is cold, take my scarf.
- LauraDanke, Julian, der Schal ist sehr weich.Thanks, Julian, the scarf is very soft.
- JulianKein Problem, ich habe noch einen.No problem, I have another one.
- LauraDu bist wirklich sehr nett.You are really very kind.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “scarf” translations and entries Schal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Schal, schal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
