Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word schon. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word schon, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say schon in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word schon you have here. The definition of the word schon will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition ofschon, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
already(happening rather early, continuing rather long)
Es ist erst 11 Uhr und schon über 30 Grad im Schatten.
It’s only 11 a.m. and already more than 30 degrees (°C) in the shade.
Er ist schon seit drei Wochen krank.
He’s been sick for three weeks already.
previously, before(at some time in the past; but not: before a certain event)
Ich erinnere mich, dass wir solche Fälle schon hatten.
I remember that we had such cases before.
expresses that an action has been completed; already(but more frequent); yet(in questions)
Wir sind spät dran, aber diesen Stapel haben wir immerhin schon bearbeitet.
We’re running late, but at least we’ve (already) finished this pile.
Hast du dir schon die Zähne geputzt?
Have you brushed your teeth yet?
(modal particle)expresses a weighing of arguments, contrast between two statements, partial agreement, concession; admittedly; sure(ly); definitely; indeed
Man sollte Kinder nicht bestrafen. — Man sollte Kinder schon bestrafen, nur eben sinnvoll.
One shouldn’t punish children. — One should definitely punish children, but wisely.
Niedrige Steuern heben den Konsum. — Das ist schon richtig, aber...
Low taxes increase consumption. — That is admittedly true, but...
Du merkst doch auch, dass ich Recht habe? — Ja, schon.
Das ist schon etwas merkwürdig. ― That's really a little strange.
Usage notes
In order to emphasize schon in the sense of “already”, another fitting adverb of time is usually added: “Are you done already?” → Bist du jetzt schon fertig? Stressing schon itself is also possible but less common. In some other senses, however, schon is commonly stressed.
schon (third-person singular simple presentschoeth, present participleschoynge, first-/third-person singular past indicative and past participleschodde)