German Conversation · Level 173
29 words
German word
schrill
Pronunciation
IPA/ʃʁɪl/
Meaning
- adjectivegrating
Example
Die Musik klingt schrill und unangenehm.
The music sounds grating and unpleasant.
More examples
Ihre Stimme wurde schrill vor Aufregung.
Her voice became shrill with excitement.
Core concept
A piercing sound cuts sharply through the surrounding soundscape, while a color or outfit can likewise stand out as aggressively vivid.
Common phrases
eine schrille Stimme
a shrill voice
ein schrilles Outfit
a garish outfit
ein schriller Klingelton
a high-pitched ringtone
Similar words
kreischend: A shrill, scream-like sound that grates on the ears.
quietschend: A high, squealing sound with an unpleasant, grating quality.
grell: A glaring color or light that looks aggressively vivid and unpleasant.
Definition in German
Vor allem für unangenehm hohe, durchdringend klingende Geräusche verwendet; übertragen auch für grelle Farben oder Kleidung.
Word origin
German schrill continues Middle High German schrillen, a verb for making a sharp, piercing sound, and later developed related uses for visually glaring colors and clothing.
Usage tips
- For colors and clothing, schrill is usually critical rather than neutral, so it often suggests garishness rather than simple brightness.