21 December 2025
How do you say step in German?
The German word for step is der Schritt.Schritt in German appears in literal and figurative contexts - taking a physical step, progressing through life, or following steps in a manual. From walking to planning, this word shows up everywhere.
It’s one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German (you can get the free illustrated PDF to expand your daily vocabulary).
Gender and Pronunciation
It’s a masculine noun: der Schritt.Need help remembering genders efficiently? This video lesson teaches helpful patterns.
Pronunciation:Schritt is pronounced [shrit]
- Rhymes with “bit”
- One syllable: SHRIT
Example sentences
Mach einen Schritt zurück.
Take a step back.
Jeder Schritt zählt.
Every step counts.
Das war ein großer Schritt für mich.
That was a big step for me.
How does this word come up in real conversations?
“Ich bin einen Schritt weiter.”
I’m one step ahead.
“Der nächste Schritt ist schwierig.”
The next step is difficult.
“Mit jedem Schritt wurde ich nervöser.”
I got more nervous with each step.
Sample Dialogue (Beginner Level)
Jonas: Hast du schon angefangen?Mila: Ja, ich bin beim zweiten Schritt.Jonas: Was war der erste?Mila: Zutaten vorbereiten!
Translation:Jonas: Have you started yet?Mila: Yes, I’m on the second step.Jonas: What was the first?Mila: Prepping the ingredients!
Grammatical case examples
Nominative:Der Schritt war notwendig.
The step was necessary.
Accusative:Ich mache einen Schritt nach vorn.
I take a step forward.
Dative:Mit jedem Schritt wurde es leichter.
With each step, it became easier.
Genitive:Die Bedeutung dieses Schritts ist enorm.
The importance of this step is enormous.
Other ways to say step in German
While Schritt is the go-to word for step in German, others include die Stufe for a stair step (Vorsicht, Stufe! - Watch your step!), Tritt for a step, tread, or kick depending on context, and Etappe for a stage in a journey. Maßnahme (measure/action) may replace Schritt in formal or political contexts.
Word variations and tidbits
You’ll find Schritt in Schritt für Schritt (step by step), Fortschritt (progress), Rückschritt (step backward), and Schrittzähler (pedometer). Einen Schritt wagen means to dare a step, and ein falscher Schritt means a misstep, literally or metaphorically.
📘 Duden entry for Schritt🎥 Want to take the next Schritt in German? Our free video course teaches the top 1000 nouns - with clarity, context, and a printable illustrated PDF.
Ready for more German Words of the Day?Do you know what Schrei means? One wrong Schritt might cause it.
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