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Wennschon, dennschon! (3)

A Closer Look at schon
in German and English

German Vocabulary

SCHON > Part 1 > Part 2 > Part 3 > Part 4


SCHON 6 (allerdings/tatsächlich - really/quite)
Sometimes schon can be used as an intensifier meaning "quite," "really," or "rather."

Das ist ja schon teuer!
That is really expensive!
Das ist schon etwas!
That's really something!
...und das schon gar nicht!
...and most certainly not that!
Das ist schon möglich.
That's quite possible.


SCHON 7 (ungeduldig - do!/come on!)
In commands, schon conveys the idea of urgency. In other cases, it can indicate impatience or encouragement.

Beeil dich schon!
Do (please) hurry up!
Geh schon!
Go on!/Do get a move on!
Wenn doch schon...
If only...
Ich komme ja schon!
(Just hold on to your hat,) I'm coming!


SCHON 8 (einschränkend - yes, but)
Schon can indicate reservations, uncertainty, or limitations. In such cases, the schon phrase is usually followed by aber.

Berlin ist ja schon eine schöne Stadt, aber...
Sure, Berlin is a beautiful city, but...
Da haben Sie schon Recht, aber...
Yes, you're right, but...
Das schon, aber...
That well may be, but...


NEXT > Schon - Part 4 - More schon meanings

BACK > Schon - Part 2

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