German word

Schein

Pronunciation

IPA/ʃaɪ̯n/

Meaning

  • masculine nouncertificate

Example

Der Schein dient als Nachweis.

The certificate serves as proof.

Illustration for Schein (certificate)

More examples

Ohne gültigen Schein darf man die Einrichtung nicht betreten.

Without a valid certificate, one may not enter the facility.

Core concept

A visible form that stands for what it shows, from official proof to an outward appearance.

Common phrases

  • einen Schein vorlegen

    present a certificate

  • einen Schein ausstellen

    issue a certificate

  • einen Schein fälschen

    forge a certificate

Similar words

Bescheinigung: An issued certificate confirming a particular fact, status, or completed procedure.
Zertifikat: A certificate officially recording success in an exam or course.
Ausweis: An official document confirming a person's identity or qualification.
Urkunde: A formal document created as legal proof or an official record.

Definition in German

Schein bezeichnet ein Dokument, das eine Berechtigung, einen Nachweis oder eine Bestätigung ausstellt.

Word origin

The noun Schein developed from Old High German scīn through Middle High German schîn and is related to scheinen, linking its document meaning with earlier ideas of shining, appearing, and showing.

Usage tips

  • Schein commonly forms compounds such as Führerschein and Geldschein, whose first element specifies the kind of document or paper meant.

Other meanings

  • driver's licensenoun
  • appearancenoun
  • lightnoun
  • banknotenoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word