German

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ʃoːn/ (standard)
• IPA^(key): /ʃɔn/ (alternatively in central and southern Germany)
• Rhymes: -oːn, -ɔn

Adverb

schon

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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?

4. (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.‎

   You do see I’m right, don’t you? — Yeah, sure.

schon

1. Imperative singular of schonen.
2. (colloquial) First-person singular present of schonen.

References

1. ↑ Kluge, Friedrich (1975). Etymologisches Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache. 21st edition. Berlin: Walter de Gruyter. p. 675.