Scharfschütze
/ˈʃaʁfˌʃʏt͡sə/masculine
The German word for sniper is Scharfschütze.
The term refers to a person using long-range small arms for precise attacks from a concealed position.
Meaning: a person using long-range small arms for precise attacks from a concealed position (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The compound noun Scharfschütze is composed of scharf (sharp) and Schütze (shooter), literally meaning "sharp shooter".
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Scharfschütze is Scharfschützen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃaʁfˌʃʏtsə/
Did you know?
- The word scharf in Scharfschütze does not just mean 'sharp' like a knife, but also 'live' or 'armed' when referring to weapons. A weapon that is 'loaded and ready to fire' is described as scharf.
- The word scharf is also used to describe spicy food, meaning the 'sharpness' of the spice hits the tongue similarly to a sharp sting.
- The root Schütze comes from the word for 'archer'. In historical German contexts, a Schütze was someone who used a bow and arrow before the word was applied to firearms.
Examples in context
- Ein Scharfschütze schoss die Lichter aus.A sniper shot the lights out.This sentence shows the use of Scharfschütze in a context involving shooting out lights.Tatoeba #4501681 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #4500628 by CK
- Tom wurde von einem Scharfschützen erschossen.Tom was shot by a sniper.This sentence demonstrates the word Scharfschütze used in a passive construction.Tatoeba #11138302 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11135013 by CK
- Nun, als Scharfschütze ist Amor eine Katastrophe.Well, Cupid is a terrible sniper.This sentence uses Scharfschütze in a metaphorical sense regarding Cupid.Tatoeba #1556695 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1540027 by saeb
- Der Scharfschütze positionierte sich auf dem Dach des Gebäudes.The sniper positioned himself on the roof of the building.
- Letztes Wochenende haben wir einen Film über Scharfschützen gesehen!Last weekend, we watched a movie about snipers!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Maximilian are discussing a movie they just watched.
- SarahDer Scharfschütze im Film war wirklich sehr präzise.The sniper in the movie was really very precise.
- MaximilianJa, er hat das Ziel aus großer Entfernung getroffen.Yes, he hit the target from a great distance.
- SarahGlaubst du, dass ein Scharfschütze so geduldig sein kann?Do you think a sniper can be that patient?
- MaximilianIch denke schon, das ist Teil der Ausbildung.I think so, that is part of the training.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sniper” translations and entries Scharfschütze, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
