schirm

Schirm is a German noun that most commonly denotes an umbrella, with terms such as Regenschirm for a rain umbrella and Sonnenschirm for a sunshade. Beyond umbrellas, schirm can also mean a protective cover or shield in a broader sense. The word is masculine, with the singular der Schirm and the plural Schirme; the genitive form is des Schirms and the dative dem Schirm.

The term originates in Old High German schirm, meaning shield or protection, from a Proto-Germanic root associated with guarding or covering. Over time the sense extended from a protective canopy to an umbrella and, through various compound formations, to other devices or concepts that provide shielding or screen-like functions.

In usage, Schirm appears in many common compounds. Regenschirm and Sonnenschirm denote rain and sun protection, respectively. Bildschirme refer to screens or monitors, highlighting the sense of a protective or covering surface. Schirmherr refers to a patron or sponsor of an event, with Schirmherrschaft denoting patronage or sponsorship.

Besides its everyday meaning, Schirm also functions as a surname in German-speaking regions. Individuals bearing the name may be found across different professions, reflecting the word’s long-standing presence in language and culture.