schelten
scold
Jemandem streng sagen, dass etwas falsch war, oft mit harten Worten.
Definition & meaning
The verb schelten describes the act of scolding, reprimanding, or rebuking someone, usually because they have done something wrong or behaved poorly. It often implies a verbal expression of disapproval or anger towards a person.
In a more archaic or literary context, schelten can also mean to call someone something negative (to name-call or to label), often used in the construction "jemanden etwas schelten" (to call someone something).
Grammar & Word origin
Grammar:
- It is a strong verb.
- Principal parts: schelten - schalt - gescholten.
- It is typically used transitively (requiring a direct object, the person being scolded).
Origin: The word originates from the Middle High German "schelten" and Old High German "sceltan," which originally meant to speak in a hostile or accusatory way. It is related to the English word "scold."
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- schimpfen (to scold, to rant)
- tadeln (to rebuke, to criticize)
- zurechtweisen (to reprimand, to put someone in their place)
- rügen (to reprimand formally)
- ausschimpfen (to give someone a dressing down)
Antonyms:
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Examples
Die Mutter wollte die Kinder nicht öffentlich schelten.verb
The mother did not want to scold the children in public.
Warum schilt die Lehrerin den jungen Schüler?verb
Why does the teacher scold the young student?
Der Trainer schalt seinen Spieler vor allen.verb
The coach scolded his player in front of everyone.
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