German word

akut

Pronunciation

IPA/aˈkuːt/

Meaning

  • adjectiveimminent

Example

Es besteht eine akute Gefahr.

There is an imminent danger.

Illustration for akut (imminent)

More examples

In dem Bericht wird auf akute Versorgungsengpässe hingewiesen.

The report points out urgent supply shortages.

Core concept

A warning light flashing now, with little time before the situation demands action.

Common phrases

  • akute Maßnahmen

    urgent measures

  • akuter Mangel

    severe shortage

  • akute Krise

    imminent crisis

Similar words

dringend: Requiring immediate action because delay could cause harm or worsen the situation.
kritisch: At a highly dangerous turning point where the outcome may have serious consequences.
ernst: Marked by substantial importance or seriousness rather than being minor.
unmittelbar: Set to happen at once, with no meaningful time gap beforehand.

Definition in German

Wird gebraucht, um eine unmittelbar bevorstehende Gefahr oder einen plötzlich auftretenden, intensiven Zustand zu beschreiben.

Word origin

Akut comes from Latin acutus, meaning sharp or pointed, and German uses it for conditions marked by sudden intensity or immediate relevance.

Usage tips

  • In medical contexts, akut commonly contrasts with chronisch, while in general contexts it often describes a present threat or pressing problem.

Other meanings

  • urgentadjective
  • seriousadjective
  • acuteadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Akutsituationacute situationnoun
  • Akutmedizinemergency medicinenoun
  • Akutversorgungacute carenoun

Word lists with this word