In German
schön
Meaning: beautiful / nice
Formal or informal? “Schön” is the all-purpose word for beautiful, nice and lovely. For stronger praise, use “wunderschön” (stunning).
Example sentences
DasBildistsehrschön.
The picture is very beautiful.
SiehateinschönesLächeln.
She has a beautiful smile.
Wieschön,dichzusehen!
How lovely to see you!
Grammar note
After “ist”, “schön” stays unchanged. Before a noun it takes an ending: “ein schönes Bild”.
Common mistake
Don't reach for “hübsch” (pretty) when you mean something larger. “Schön” covers scenery, objects and people.
Quick check
Which adjective means “beautiful”?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between schön and hübsch?
“Hübsch” is usually for people and small things (pretty); “schön” is broader and more general.
How do you say “wonderful”?
“Wunderschön” or “herrlich”, depending on how strong the praise is.