German word

langsam

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈlaŋzaːm/

Meaning

  • adverbslowly

Example

Sprich bitte langsam.

Please speak slowly.

Illustration for langsam (slowly)

More examples

Bitte langsam fahren.

Please drive slowly.

Core concept

Time stretches around an action, so progress is steady but not fast and may occur gradually.

Common phrases

  • langsam sprechen

    speak slowly

  • langsam fahren

    drive slowly

  • langsam essen

    eat slowly

Similar words

ruhig: In a relaxed, peaceful manner, including when speaking softly.
allmählich: By developing progressively through small changes over a period of time.

Definition in German

nicht schnell; in langsamem Tempo oder schrittweise geschehen

Word origin

Langsam is a Germanic formation from lang, 'long,' plus -sam, a suffix that forms adjectives describing a characteristic disposition.

Usage tips

  • Langsam can describe gradual change, but allmählich more specifically highlights a change unfolding step by step rather than merely at low speed.

Other meanings

  • slowadjective
  • graduallyadverb

Opposites

Related words

  • verlangsamenslow downverb
  • verlangsamtslowedadjective

Word lists with this word