German word

knapp

Pronunciation

IPA/knap/

Meaning

  • adverbjust under

Example

Es sind knapp 100 Leute gekommen.

Just under 100 people came.

Illustration for knapp (just under)

More examples

Der Zug kam knapp pünktlich an.

The train arrived just barely on time.

Core concept

A measuring line ends just below its marked target, leaving only a narrow gap.

Common phrases

  • knapp zehn Euro

    just under ten euros

  • knapp anderthalb Stunden

    just under an hour and a half

  • knapp 20 Prozent

    just under 20 percent

Similar words

etwa: Marks an estimated number or amount.
ungefähr: Marks a roughly estimated number or amount.
rund: Gives a rounded figure rather than an exact amount.
fast: Shows that something is nearly at a stated value or condition.

Definition in German

Etwas weniger als die genannte Zahl oder Menge, aber nahe daran.

Word origin

Knapp developed from Middle High German knapp, meaning tight or scant, and retains the idea of an amount that falls short of a limit.

Usage tips

  • With numbers and measures, knapp stands directly before the amount, as in knapp 100 Leute and knapp eine Stunde.

Other meanings

  • slightlyadverb
  • barelyadverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word