der Schauer, –

Meaning(s)

1. (noun, masculine) “shower / downpour”
   A short, often sudden spell of rain (or snow/hail), typically stronger than light drizzle and shorter than steady rain.

   • ein Regenschauer = a rain shower
   • ein Schneeschauer = a snow shower

2. (noun, masculine) “shiver / chill; thrill (of fear)”
   A wave-like sensation running through the body, often caused by cold, fear, disgust, or strong emotion.

   • ein Schauer läuft mir über den Rücken = a shiver runs down my spine

Word parts / origin

• Schauer is a standalone noun; it is related to the verb schauern (“to shiver; to send a chill through someone”).
• In the weather sense, it connects to the idea of something “coming over you” suddenly, like a brief rain burst.

German synonyms

• For rain shower: Regenguss, Guss, Niederschlagsschauer (more technical), kurzer Platzregen (for a sudden heavy shower)
• For shiver/chill: Schauder, Frösteln (more “feeling cold”), Gänsehaut (goosebumps, related effect)

German antonyms (if applicable)

• For rain shower: Trockenheit, Dürre (not exact opposites, but “dryness/drought” as contrasts)
• For shiver/chill: Wärme, Behaglichkeit (warmth, coziness)