schon/noch
Already/Still
schon = already (change has happened)
noch = still (no change yet)
How It Works
In German, schon and noch are essential for describing time and progress. They are usually placed in the middle of the sentence (the Mittelfeld).
- schon (Already): Used when something has occurred. In questions, it often translates to 'yet' (e.g., 'Are you finished yet?').
- noch (Still): Used when a situation remains the same. When paired with nicht, it means 'not yet' (noch nicht).
Important Distinction: Do not confuse schon (already) with schön (beautiful). The pronunciation and meaning are completely different! Also, be careful with erst (only/not until), which is the opposite of schon.
Examples (5)
- Ich bin schon fertig.
I am already finished.
Word by Word: I am already finished.
Use 'schon' here to show the task is complete, perhaps earlier than the listener expected.
- Er schläft noch.
He is still sleeping.
Word by Word: He sleeps still.
'Noch' indicates that the action of sleeping is continuing without change.
- Bist du schon da?
Are you there already?
Word by Word: Are you already there?
In questions, 'schon' often expresses surprise at how quickly someone arrived.
- Wir sind noch nicht bereit.
We are not ready yet.
Word by Word: We are still not ready.
'Noch nicht' is the standard German way to say 'not yet'.
- Ich habe noch einen Apfel.
I have another apple.
Word by Word: I have still one apple.
'Noch' can also mean 'additional' or 'another' when referring to quantity.
Common Mistakes
Using 'schon nicht' to mean 'not yet'.
Ich bin schon nicht fertig.Ich bin noch nicht fertig.In German, 'not yet' is expressed as 'noch nicht' (or 'noch kein' with a noun). 'Schon nicht' is grammatically incorrect in this context.
Confusing 'schon' (already) with 'schön' (beautiful).
Das ist schon.Das ist schön.The umlaut (ö) changes the meaning entirely. 'Schon' is an adverb of time; 'schön' is an adjective meaning beautiful.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'schon' and 'noch' effectively, you need to understand how to form basic sentences with the verb 'sein' and how to negate them using 'nicht'. Since these adverbs often describe the status of a condition, familiarity with predicate adjectives is also helpful.
Related Patterns
- noch nicht/nicht mehrNot Yet / No Longer
These are the negative counterparts, used to say 'not yet' or 'no longer'.
Level 2 - immer/oft/manchmal/nieFrequency Adverbs
Other common adverbs used to describe the frequency and timing of actions.
Level 1 - Time-Manner-Place Order
The rule that determines where time adverbs like 'schon' and 'noch' sit in a sentence.
Level 2 - Placement Of Nicht
Important for understanding how to correctly form 'noch nicht'.
Level 2
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice schon/noch in Bubblegum
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