German word

momentan

Pronunciation

IPA/momɛnˈtaːn/

Meaning

  • adverbat the moment

Example

Ich habe momentan keine Zeit.

I don't have time at the moment.

Illustration for momentan (at the moment)

More examples

Im Büro ist momentan viel los.

There is a lot going on at the office at the moment.

Core concept

A temporary status display marked "active for now," with the setting likely to change later.

Common phrases

  • momentan viel los

    a lot going on at the moment

  • momentan schwierig

    difficult at the moment

  • momentan knapp

    in short supply at the moment

Similar words

jetzt: At this exact time, with no focus on a longer period.
gerade: Taking place at this very moment.
im Moment: For the short period around the present time.
zurzeit: At present, during an ongoing situation or period.

Definition in German

momentan bedeutet im Allgemeinen 'im Augenblick' und betont meist eine vorübergehende Situation statt einer dauerhaften Eigenschaft.

Word origin

Momentan comes from Latin momentaneus, "lasting only a moment," which is formed from momentum, "movement" or "moment."

Usage tips

  • English "momentarily" often suggests a very brief interval, whereas German "momentan" normally refers to the current situation or period.

Other meanings

  • for the time beingadverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word