pssst
The German way to say shush is pssst.
The most common way to signal someone to be quiet in German is the onomatopoeic sound pssst. It is used as an interjection to get someone's attention or to demand silence, similar to the English 'shush'.
Meaning: To be quiet (verb)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Austrian German, Könnts es euch bitte ein bissl zamreißn? means "Could you please keep it down a bit?"
Did you know?
- In many parts of Germany, making a sharp 'psst' sound is seen as much more rude and aggressive than the English 'shush'. It is often perceived as a way to snap at someone like an animal.
- Using the sound pssst to get a stranger's attention in a bar is considered very impolite in Germany, whereas in some English-speaking cultures it is a common way to call a waiter.
- In some German dialects, instead of 'shush', people use the word Still! which translates to 'Still!' but functions as 'Be quiet!'
Examples in context
- Können Sie bitte leiser sein? Wir möchten den Film genießen.Could you please be quieter? We would like to enjoy the movie.
- Bitte seien Sie leise. Andere Personen möchten konzentriert arbeiten.Please be quiet. Other people want to work in a focused manner.
- Pssst, der Film fängt gleich an.Shush, the movie is about to start.
- Pssst! Ich versuche zu schlafen.Shush! I am trying to sleep.
- Pssst, sei bitte leise.Shush, please be quiet.
Example conversation
Julian and Julia are in a quiet library.
- JulianPssst, Julia, wir sind in der Bibliothek.Shush, Julia, we are in the library.
- JuliaOh, Entschuldigung, Julian.Oh, sorry, Julian.
- JulianKein Problem, aber sei bitte leise.No problem, but please be quiet.
- JuliaAlles klar, ich lese jetzt nur noch.Alright, I will just read now.
