German word

kürzlich

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈkʏʁt͡slɪç/

Meaning

  • adverbrecently

Example

Ich habe kürzlich ein neues Buch gekauft.

I recently bought a new book.

Illustration for kürzlich (recently)

More examples

Ich habe kürzlich einen alten Freund getroffen.

I recently met an old friend.

Core concept

A past event sits close behind the present, separated by only a short stretch of time.

Common phrases

  • kürzlich gekauft

    recently bought

  • kürzlich gesehen

    recently saw

  • kürzlich getroffen

    recently met

Similar words

neulich: Refers to a past event when bringing it up in conversation.
vor kurzem: Indicates an event that took place only a short time ago.
gerade: Indicates something happening now or having happened moments ago.
in letzter Zeit: Describes something continuing or recurring during a recent period.

Definition in German

Ein Ereignis, das vor nicht langer Zeit stattgefunden hat.

Word origin

Kürzlich is formed from kurz, meaning 'short', with the adjective-forming suffix -lich, and its adverbial use describes a short time before now.

Usage tips

  • Kürzlich normally refers to a completed past event, while in letzter Zeit commonly describes an ongoing pattern over a recent period.

Other meanings

  • the other dayadverb
  • a short while agoadverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word