das  Geschrei

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡəˈʃʁaɪ/

🗣️ What does "das Geschrei" mean?

Das Geschrei (neuter gender) refers to a loud, often continuous and unpleasant noise caused by human or animal voices. It describes a form of collective or sustained shouting, yelling, screaming, or screeching.

• It often describes an inarticulate, noisy expression of emotions (anger, fear, pain, but also joy or excitement, e.g., from children playing) or simply noise.
• In contrast to a single "Schrei" (der Schrei - the shout/scream), "das Geschrei" emphasizes the duration, loudness, or the involvement of multiple people or animals.
• It frequently carries a negative connotation, but can also be used neutrally (e.g., "das Freudengeschrei" - shouts of joy).

🚨 There is only das Geschrei (neuter). It is derived from the verb "schreien" (to shout/scream).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "das Geschrei" in Detail

"Geschrei" is a noun with the article das. It belongs to the group of collective nouns often formed with the prefix "Ge-", which are usually neuter. It is typically used only in the singular.

Declension Singular

Although a plural form ("die Geschreie") could theoretically be formed, it is extremely rare and hardly ever used in common language, as the word already implies a collective meaning.

Example Sentences

• Das laute Geschrei der Kinder drang aus dem Garten. (The loud shouting of the children came from the garden.)
• Er konnte das wütende Geschrei seines Nachbarn durch die Wand hören. (He could hear his neighbor's angry shouting through the wall.)
• Das Geschrei der Möwen begleitete uns am Strand. (The crying/screeching of the seagulls accompanied us on the beach.)
• Plötzlich erhob sich ein großes Geschrei in der Menge. (Suddenly, a great clamor arose from the crowd.)

💡 When to use "das Geschrei"?

"Das Geschrei" is used to describe noise originating from voices. Here are typical contexts:

• Children's noise: The joyful but loud playing of children ("Hörst du das Geschrei vom Spielplatz?" - Do you hear the shouting from the playground?).
• Arguments: Loud, emotional disputes ("Das Geschrei zwischen den beiden war unerträglich." - The shouting between the two was unbearable.).
• Markets/Crowds: The hubbub and calls in busy places ("Das Geschrei der Markthändler erfüllte die Luft." - The cries/shouting of the market vendors filled the air.).
• Animal sounds: The calls or cries of animals, especially when loud or persistent ("Das Geschrei der Affen im Zoo." - The screeching/cries of the monkeys in the zoo.).
• Expression of strong emotions: Screams of fear, cries of pain, shouts of joy (often in compound words).

Difference to "der Schrei":

• Der Schrei: A single, short, loud cry or shout. (e.g., "ein Schrei der Angst" - a scream of fear)
• Das Geschrei: Sustained, loud shouting/screaming, often by multiple people or over a longer period. (e.g., "das Geschrei der Fans im Stadion" - the shouting/roaring of the fans in the stadium)

⚠️ "Geschrei" often has a negative connotation of noise and disturbance, but depending on the context (e.g., Freudengeschrei - shouts of joy), it can also be positive or neutral.

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Geschrei"

Article Mnemonic (das)

Remember: Nouns starting with "Ge-" that describe a collective activity or sound (like Geplapper - chatter, Gerede - talk, Gerufe - calls) are often neuter (das). Das Geschrei fits this pattern – it's das (the) collective shouting. Think of it like 'the stuff' of shouting.

Meaning Mnemonic (Loud Noise)

Imagine someone covering their ears and saying, "All das Geschrei (all that shouting) is giving me a headache!" The word 'all' can remind you of the collective nature, and the headache connects it to loud, often unpleasant noise. Also, 'Geschrei' sounds a bit like 'cry' or 'shriek' which helps remember the meaning.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms of Geschrei

⚠️ Similar but Different Words:

• Der Schrei: A single, sudden shout or scream.
• Das Schreien: The act of shouting/screaming (gerund).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: "Was ist lauter als das Geschrei von zehn Babys?"
Fritzchen: "Das Geschrei von elf Babys!"

(Teacher asks: "What is louder than the screaming of ten babies?"
Little Fritz: "The screaming of eleven babies!")

📜 A Poem about das Geschrei

Im Hof, da tobt das Leben,
Kinderlachen, lautes Streben.
Ein Ball fliegt hoch, ein Freudenschrei,
doch manchmal wird's zu viel Geschrei.
Dann ruft die Mutter aus dem Haus:
"Jetzt ist mit dem Geschrei mal Schluss!"

(In the yard, life is bustling,
Children's laughter, loud striving.
A ball flies high, a shout of joy,
but sometimes there's too much shouting noise.
Then mother calls from the house door:
"Now stop the shouting, please, no more!")

❓ Riddle Time

Ich habe keine Stimme, doch erfülle den Raum.
Ich entstehe durch viele, bin oft ein lauter Traum.
Mal voller Wut, mal voller Freud',
von Kindern, Tieren, vielen Leut'.
Was bin ich, dieser laute Klang,
der oft ertönt, den ganzen Tag lang?

(I have no voice, yet I fill the room.
I am created by many, often a loud boom.
Sometimes full of anger, sometimes full of glee,
From children, animals, many people, you see.
What am I, this loud sound,
Often heard all day round?)

Solution: Das Geschrei (Shouting/Screaming/Clamor)

🧩 Further Insights

Word Formation

The word "Geschrei" is a derivation (derivative) from the verb "schreien" (to shout/scream). It is formed using the circumfix "Ge-...-ei", which is often used for nouns denoting an action or its result, frequently with a collective or repetitive character (compare Gerede - talk/gossip, Gelaufe - running around, Gebelle - barking). These formations are typically neuter (das).

Related Words

• schreien: (verb) to shout, scream, yell
• der Schrei: (noun) a single shout, scream, cry
• schreiend: (adjective/participle) screaming, shouting; blatant, gaudy