schießen
[ˈʃiːsn̩]
To shoot in German is schießen.
schießen is the verb used to mean firing a shot.
Meaning: to fire a shot (verb)
Which one should you use?
The verb Abfeuern is used specifically when referring to shooting a firearm or launching a missile. In contrast, the slang term Ballern is used to describe shooting in the sense of rapid-fire, such as in action movies or video games.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The third-person singular present form of schießen is schießt. The simple past form is schoss, and the past participle is geschossen. The present participle, or gerund, is also schießen.
Did you know?
- In German sports, specifically football, the phrase Tore schießen is used to describe scoring goals, as if the player is shooting a target.
- If you use the slang term ballern to describe shooting, you are using a word that more literally means 'to thud' or 'to hit with a heavy sound'.
- German uses the verb schießen in the phrase die Kurve schießen, which refers to taking a turn in a vehicle at very high speed.
Examples in context
- Ich will nicht schießen.I don't want to shoot.This sentence is useful for expressing a lack of desire to shoot.Tatoeba #8508990 by Luiaard, translation #2011649 by CK
- Wir schießen und weinen.We shoot and cry.This sentence is useful for describing the action of shooting and crying.Tatoeba #13642249 by Vortarulo, translation #13290777 by Aghanim
- Ich muss schießen lernen.I have to learn how to shoot.This sentence is useful for expressing the need to learn how to shoot.Tatoeba #2062438 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2060297 by CK
- Die Polizei hat auf den Dieb geschossenThe police shot at the thief
- Der Soldat feuerte das Gewehr abThe soldier fired the rifle
- Lass uns ein bisschen ballern!Let's shoot a bit!
- Ich möchte diese Sehenswürdigkeit knipsenI want to shoot/take a picture of this sight
- Er feuerte auf das ZielHe shot at the target
- Ballern wir den Ball ins Netz!Let's shoot the ball into the net!
- Vorsicht! Nicht schießen!Caution! Do not shoot!
- Nicht ballern, es ist gefährlich!Don't shoot, it's dangerous!
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Julian are playing a video game together.
- LauraDu musst auf den Gegner schießen!You have to shoot at the enemy!
- JulianIch kann nicht gut schießen.I cannot shoot well.
- LauraJulian, schieß einfach schnell!Julian, just shoot quickly!
- JulianOkay, ich versuche es.Okay, I will try.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shoot” translations and entries schießen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
