How to Say “Sh” in German

By Melanie Donna • Updated October 4, 2026

pssst

In German, the English phrase "sh" is pssst.

Meaning: self-harm (noun)

Related words

Did you know?

While English speakers use 'shh' to quiet someone, in German, the sound pssst is frequently used as a way to get someone's attention, much like 'excuse me' or 'hey you'.
In a quiet German setting like a library, using pssst too loudly can actually be viewed as more disruptive and impolite than the English 'shh'.
The German pssst is phonetically built on an onomatopoeia, meaning it is a word designed to mimic the physical sound of air passing through teeth.

Examples in context

Schule
School
Viel Erfolg
Good luck

Example conversation

Lukas and Hannah are talking about mental health.

Lukas

Hast du jemals von pssst gehört?
Have you ever heard of self-harm?
Hannah

Ja, ich kenne das Thema.
Yes, I am familiar with the topic.
Lukas

Ich möchte mehr darüber lernen.
I want to learn more about it.
Hannah

Das ist eine gute Idee, Lukas.
That is a good idea, Lukas.

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About The Author

Melanie Donna

Hallo, ich bin Melanie! I spend my days meticulously exploring the German language and helping others to embrace its beauty and intricacies. I fell in love with German during a family trip to Austria as a child, and my affection only grew with time. Aside from my fascination with language, I enjoy bird watching, baking, and delving into stimulating books. Always trying to push my limits, I also bet on my knowledge with regular trivia games. My German guides are a testament to my passion and curiosity for language and life, may they inspire you, too.

Melanie DonnaHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.

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