German word

soeben

Pronunciation

IPA/zoˈeːbən/

Meaning

  • adverbjust now

Example

Ich habe soeben die Nachricht bekommen.

I have just received the message.

Illustration for soeben (just now)

More examples

Er ist soeben gestartet.

He has just set off.

Core concept

Fresh ink still marks the action as newly finished, with its result present now.

Common phrases

  • soeben gestartet

    just started

  • soeben beendet

    just finished

  • soeben entdeckt

    just discovered

Similar words

eben: Indicates that something ended moments ago without strong emphasis.
gerade: Indicates that something is currently taking place.
vorhin: Refers to something that happened earlier today or not long ago.
neulich: Refers to something that happened recently, usually days or weeks ago.

Definition in German

soeben drückt aus, dass eine Handlung unmittelbar zuvor abgeschlossen wurde und ihre Folge in der Gegenwart noch spürbar ist.

Word origin

Soeben combines so, meaning "so" or "thus," with eben, whose temporal sense developed from "just" or "exactly"; together they form an adverb meaning "just now."

Usage tips

  • Soeben is more formal or written than the common spoken alternative gerade eben.

Other meanings

  • a little while agoadverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word