schäm dich
The German phrase for "shame on you" is schäm dich. Wiktionary also lists schämen Sie sich.
Meaning: expression of disapproval (intj)
Ways to say it
| German |
|---|
| schäm dich |
| schämen Sie sich |
This expression is used as an exclamation to express moral disapproval or to rebuke someone for their behavior.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase schäm dich is a shortened imperative of schäme dich, which literally translates to "shame yourself".
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing someone informally, such as a friend, child or family member, you use schäm dich. For formal situations, use schämen Sie sich. If you are telling a group of people to feel shame, use the plural imperative schämt euch.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Schäm dich, dass du gelogen hast!Shame on you for lying.This sentence shows how to use schäm dich to rebuke someone for lying.Tatoeba #4501687 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4500620 by CK
- Schäm dich!Shame on you!This sentence shows schäm dich used as a standalone exclamation.Tatoeba #910965 by Sudajaengi, translation #277287 by CK
- Was du getan hast, ist wirklich gemein. Schäm dich!What you did was really mean. Shame on you!
- Schäm dich für dein Verhalten!Shame on you for your behavior!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian is disappointed because Hannah kept a secret from him.
- MaximilianDu hast mich die ganze Zeit angelogen.You have been lying to me this whole time.
- HannahEs tut mir leid, Maximilian.I am sorry, Maximilian.
- MaximilianSchäm dich!Shame on you!
- HannahIch werde es nie wieder tun.I will never do it again.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shame on you” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Sie, dich, schämen, sich, sie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
