German word

beeilen

Pronunciation

IPA/bəˈaɪ̯lən/

Meaning

  • verbhurry

Example

Er beeilte sich gestern, aber er kam trotzdem zu spät.

He hurried yesterday, but he was still late.

Illustration for beeilen (hurry)

More examples

Wenn du dich nicht beeilst, verpasst du den Anfang des Films.

If you don't hurry, you'll miss the beginning of the film.

Core concept

A person speeds up actions or movement to arrive on time, often under time pressure.

Common phrases

  • sich beeilen

    hurry

  • sich beeilen müssen

    have to hurry

Similar words

eilen: To travel quickly toward a destination or in time for an appointment.
sich sputen: To work quickly so that necessary tasks are finished sooner.
hetzen: To move in a restless, agitated rush.
überstürzen: To act too quickly before preparation or thought is sufficient.

Definition in German

(sich) schnell handeln oder sich in kurzer Zeit fortbewegen, um pünktlich zu sein.

Word origin

The verb combines be- with inherited Germanic eilen, meaning to move quickly, and the reflexive form expresses making oneself hurry.

Usage tips

  • The standard construction is reflexive, so Er beeilt sich means 'He hurries' and Ich beeile mich means 'I hurry.'

Opposites

  • trödelndawdleverb

Related words

  • Beeilunghurrynoun

Word lists with this word