German word

schnuppern

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃnʊpɐn/

Meaning

  • verbsniff

Example

Der Hund schnuppert am Baum.

The dog is sniffing at the tree.

Illustration for schnuppern (sniff)

More examples

Nach dem regionalen Sieg schnupperte das Team schon an größerem Erfolg.

After the regional victory, the team was already getting a taste of greater success.

Core concept

A nose briefly checks its surroundings, while a newcomer briefly checks out an unfamiliar field.

Common phrases

  • am Geruch schnuppern

    sniff at a smell

  • an Erfolg schnuppern

    get a taste of success

Similar words

riechen: Perceiving a scent.
schnüffeln: Repeatedly sniffing to investigate an area.
wittern: Detecting something from a scent or other clue.
reinschnuppern: Briefly trying out an unfamiliar field to gain experience.

Definition in German

Mit der Nase kurz an etwas riechen; oft neugierig oder prüfend; im übertragenen Sinn: etwas unverbindlich ausprobieren.

Word origin

German uses schnuppern for both a literal brief sniff and, by metaphorical extension, an initial trial of an activity; the form is sound-symbolic.

Usage tips

  • For the figurative sense, reinschnuppern is colloquial and often takes in + accusative, as in in einen Beruf reinschnuppern.

Other meanings

  • sniff aroundverb
  • try outverb

Related words

  • Schnupperstundetrial lessonnoun
  • Schnupperkurstaster coursenoun

Word lists with this word