German word

schnell

Pronunciation

IPA/ʃnɛl/

Meaning

  • adjectivefast

Example

Das ist das schnellste Auto.

That is the fastest car.

Illustration for schnell (fast)

More examples

Ich erwartete eine schnelle Antwort.

I expected a quick answer.

Core concept

A machine finishes its cycle in seconds, showing how schnell can describe rapid motion or rapid completion.

Common phrases

  • eine schnelle Antwort

    a quick answer

  • eine schnelle Reaktion

    a quick reaction

Similar words

zügig: Making steady progress without delay or interruption.
rasch: Producing a result suddenly within a short time.
flink: Moving nimbly or using the hands with great speed.

Definition in German

Durch große Geschwindigkeit oder kurze Dauer gekennzeichnet.

Word origin

Schnell derives from Proto-Germanic *snellaz through Old High German snel and has retained its basic sense of swiftness.

Usage tips

  • In schnell fertig, schnell describes the short time needed to become finished, rather than a permanent quality of the finished result.

Other meanings

  • quicklyadverb
  • quickadjective
  • rapidadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word