schön

Schön is a German adjective and adverb used to express beauty, pleasantness, or a positive evaluation. As an adjective it can describe visual appeal (a schönes Bild, eine schöne Aussicht) as well as more general qualities (das ist eine schöne Idee). As an adverb it often modifies verbs or adjectives to indicate manner or degree (sie singt schön; es ist schön teuer, but still acceptable in colloquial use). In fixed phrases it can function as an intensifier, for example in discussion of circumstances or experiences (das wäre schön, das wäre schön wär’s).

Etymology and cognates: schön derives from Old High German scôn (schôn) meaning beautiful or esteemed, and is part of a common Germanic root found in related languages, such as Dutch schoon and Old Norse skǫnn. The exact Proto-Germanic reconstruction is debated, but the sense of beauty and desirability is continuous across these languages.

Grammar and usage: schön inflects like a regular strong/weak adjective depending on article usage and case. Positive form: schön, comparative: schöner, superlative: am schönsten. The noun form Schönheit means "beauty." In compounds and set expressions it appears in many contexts, from aesthetic judgments to everyday compliments (eine schöne Blume, schöne Aussicht, schöne Gelegenheit). Regions and registers vary, but the basic meaning remains stable across Standard German.

Idioms and notes: the expression Schön wär’s conveys a wistful wish (that would be nice). Verbs formed with schön, such as schönreden or schönfärben, indicate flattering or embellishing language. Overall, schön is a versatile term central to expressing aesthetic and evaluative judgments in German.