die  Schelte

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʃɛltə/

🗣️ What does 'die Schelte' mean?

The German word die Schelte is a feminine noun that translates to scolding, reprimand, or rebuke. It refers to a (often harsh) verbal criticism directed at someone for their behavior or performance.

Essentially, it's a verbal telling-off given to someone who has done something wrong or whose actions are being criticized. It carries a negative connotation.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of 'die Schelte'

Die Schelte is a feminine noun. It is almost exclusively used in the singular form. The plural form (die Schelten) is very uncommon and usually avoided in everyday language.

Declension Singular

📝 Example Sentences

1. Nach dem Fehler bekam er eine ordentliche Schelte vom Chef.
   (After the mistake, he got a proper scolding from the boss.)
2. Die Mutter gab dem Kind eine Schelte, weil es nicht aufgeräumt hatte.
   (The mother gave the child a scolding because it hadn't tidied up.)
3. Er musste sich die Schelte seines Vaters anhören.
   (He had to listen to his father's scolding.)

💬 Everyday Usage

Die Schelte is used to describe a verbal reprimand. Common phrases include:

• eine Schelte bekommen / erhalten / kassieren: to get / receive a scolding
• jemandem eine Schelte geben / erteilen / verpassen: to give someone a scolding / to tell someone off
• sich eine Schelte anhören müssen: to have to listen to a scolding

The tone is generally negative, expressing dissatisfaction or anger. It's stronger than simple Kritik (criticism) but often less formal than a Verweis (official reprimand). It's frequently used in contexts like parenting (Erziehung), work (Arbeit), or sports (e.g., a coach criticizing the team).

🧠 Mnemonics for 'Schelte'

Article Mnemonic: Think of someone shouting: "She'll tell on you!" This leads to a telling-off, a Schelte. The "She" helps remember the feminine article die.

Meaning Mnemonic: Schelte sounds a bit like the English word "shout". You often get shouted at during a Schelte.

↔️ Opposites and Similar Words

😂 A Little Joke

Warum bekommen Gewitterwolken nie eine Schelte?
(Why do thunderclouds never get a scolding?)

Weil sie sich immer sofort wieder entladen!
(Because they always discharge immediately!)

📜 Poem about 'Schelte'

War das Zeugnis gar nicht gut,
(If the report card wasn't good at all,)
Fehlte es an Lernermut,
(If the courage to learn was missing,)
Oder stand das Zimmer quer?
(Or if the room was a mess?)
Dann gibt's Schelte, bitte sehr!
(Then there's a scolding, if you please!)

Doch halt, nicht immer muss sie sein,
(But wait, it doesn't always have to be,)
Oft reicht ein Wort, ganz sanft und klein.
(Often a word, gentle and small, is enough.)
Die Schelte, laut und ungestüm,
(The scolding, loud and impetuous,)
Macht Herzen manchmal kalt und kühn.
(Sometimes makes hearts cold and bold.)

❓ Riddle Me This

Ich bin verbal und oft nicht fein,
(I am verbal and often not nice,)
man kriegt mich, ist man ungeschickt und klein (oder groß).
(you get me if you're clumsy and small (or big).)
Man gibt mich auch, wenn Ärger sprießt,
(One also gives me when anger sprouts,)
und selten man mich gern genießt.
(and rarely does one enjoy me.)

Was bin ich? / What am I?
(Lösung/Solution: die Schelte / the scolding)

💡 More about 'die Schelte'

Word Formation: The noun die Schelte is derived from the verb schelten, which means to scold, to reprimand, or to tell off.

Usage Note: Although the plural form die Schelten exists grammatically, it is extremely rare in practice. People usually talk about viele Schelten (many scoldings) or rephrase, e.g., Er musste sich mehrere Zurechtweisungen anhören (He had to listen to several reprimands).