AdverbA1

schon

already · yet · really, indeed · come on

Schon means 'already' or 'yet' in questions, but it is also used as a modal particle to soften statements, express reassurance, or add emphasis. Its exact meaning depends on context and intonation.

What schon means

  1. already — in statements or questions to express surprise that something happened earlier than expected
  2. yet — in questions, asking if something has happened by now
  3. really, indeed — as a modal particle to emphasize or reassure
  4. come on — in the phrase 'komm schon' to urge someone

Heard in real German videos

Lines where schon was actually spoken, from German videos watched with DeutschChat.

  • Sind wir schon in Hollywood?Are we in Hollywood yet?
  • Das wird schon werden.It'll be fine.
  • Oh Mann, ich war schon eingeschlafen.Oh man, I was already asleep.

Example sentences

  • Ich bin schon fertig.I am already finished.
  • Bist du schon da?Are you there yet?
  • Das wird schon klappen.It will work out, don't worry.
  • Komm schon, wir müssen los.Come on, we have to go.

Common phrases

  • schon malever, once
  • schon wiederagain, once again
  • schon gutit's okay, never mind
  • wenn schon, denn schonif you do it, do it properly

The mistake English speakers make

English speakers often confuse 'schon' with 'schön' (beautiful). Remember: 'schon' has no umlaut and means 'already'.

Don’t confuse it with

  • schön — Schön means 'beautiful' or 'nice', while schon means 'already' or is a modal particle.
  • erst — Erst means 'only' or 'not until', often used when something happens later than expected, while schon indicates earlier than expected.

Questions learners ask

What is the difference between 'schon' and 'bereits'?

Both mean 'already', but 'bereits' is more formal and often used in written German, while 'schon' is more common in everyday speech.

How do you use 'schon' as a modal particle?

As a modal particle, 'schon' can express reassurance (Das wird schon klappen), emphasis (Das ist schon richtig), or impatience (Komm schon). It is unstressed and placed in the middle of the sentence.

What does 'schon gut' mean?

'Schon gut' means 'it's okay' or 'never mind', used to dismiss a concern or stop someone from apologizing.

Related words

nochgleich