Schatten
/ˈʃatən/
The German word for shadow is Schatten.
The term refers to an area protected by an obstacle.
Meaning: area protected by an obstacle (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
Schatten is a masculine noun, which means it takes the article der in the nominative case.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃatən/
Did you know?
- In German folklore, the Schatten was sometimes believed to be a separate entity from the soul that could be stolen or traded.
- While English distinguishes between 'shadow' and 'shade', German uses Schatten for both concepts.
- German uses Schatten in the term Schattenboxen, which refers to shadowboxing in sports or metaphorically to arguing with an imaginary opponent.
Examples in context
- Das ist ein Schatten.It's a shadow.This sentence is useful for identifying a shadow.Tatoeba #2802851 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1464161 by sundown
- Die Rede ist der Schatten der Tat.Speech is the shadow of action.This sentence uses the word metaphorically to compare speech to action.Tatoeba #12387307 by Esperantostern, translation #12388307 by Miktsoanit
- Der Baum warf einen langen Schatten.The tree cast a long shadow.This sentence describes the act of a tree casting a shadow.Tatoeba #2385415 by Tamy, translation #43781 by Swift
- Die Sonne wirft einen Schatten auf den Boden.The sun casts a shadow on the ground.
- Ich sah die Umrisse des Baumes im Schatten.I saw the outlines of the tree in the shadow.
- 57 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two people are sitting in a park on a sunny day.
- SarahKommen wir in den Schatten?Shall we move into the shadow?
- LukasJa, hier im Schatten ist es kühler.Yes, it is cooler here in the shadow.
- SarahDer Schatten unter der Eiche ist perfekt.The shadow under the oak tree is perfect.
- LukasLass uns dort Platz nehmen, Sarah.Let's take a seat there, Sarah.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Schatten, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
