German word

schulden

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃʊldn̩/

Meaning

  • verbowe

Example

Ich schulde ihm noch Geld.

I still owe him money.

Illustration for schulden (owe)

More examples

Viele Studenten schulden der Bank noch Studienkredite.

Many students still owe the bank money on their student loans.

Core concept

An open tab connects a person to something still due.

Common phrases

  • jemandem etwas schulden

    owe someone something

  • jemandem großen Dank schulden

    owe someone a great debt of gratitude

  • noch Geld schulden

    still owe money

Similar words

zurückzahlen: To return borrowed money in order to settle the debt.
zahlen: To pay a stated sum of money.
begleichen: To settle an unpaid bill or remaining charge.
abbezahlen: To pay off a debt in smaller amounts over time.

Definition in German

bei einer Person in der Schuld sein und ihr etwas, oft Geld, zurückgeben müssen.

Word origin

Schulden is derived from the German noun Schuld, from an inherited Germanic root associated with obligation and debt.

Usage tips

  • Schulden commonly takes a dative person and an accusative thing, as in jemandem etwas schulden.

Other meanings

  • be indebted toverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word