German word

Schuss

Pronunciation

IPA/ʃʊs/

Meaning

  • masculine noungunshot

Example

In der Nacht hörte ich einen Schuss.

At night, I heard a gunshot.

Illustration for Schuss (gunshot)

More examples

Die Nachbarn riefen die Polizei, nachdem sie mehrere Schüsse gehört hatten.

The neighbors called the police after hearing several gunshots.

Core concept

A single forceful release from a weapon, marked by motion through the air and a sudden sound.

Common phrases

  • einen Schuss melden

    report a gunshot

  • mehrere Schüsse hören

    hear several gunshots

Similar words

Kugel: A metal bullet fired from a gun and moving through the air.
Schusswechsel: A continuing exchange of gunfire between opposing sides.
Treffer: The result of a shot striking its intended target.
Salve: A group of shots fired in quick succession.

Definition in German

Schuss bezeichnet das Abfeuern einer Waffe oder das dabei entstehende Geräusch bzw. die dabei abgegebene Kugel.

Word origin

The noun Schuss is formed from schießen, 'to shoot', and retains the connection between the shooting action and the resulting shot.

Usage tips

  • Ein Schuss aus einer Waffe identifies the weapon's source, whereas ein Schuss auf eine Person identifies the intended target.

Other meanings

  • dashnoun
  • shotnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Schusslochbullet holenoun

Word lists with this word