German word

sogleich

Pronunciation

IPA/zoˈglaɪ̯ç/

Meaning

  • adverbright away

Example

Ich komme sogleich.

I'll come right away.

Illustration for sogleich (right away)

More examples

Wir können sogleich beginnen.

We can begin immediately.

Core concept

The next action begins at once, as though the present moment and its start coincide.

Common phrases

  • sogleich beginnen

    begin immediately

  • sogleich Bescheid geben

    let someone know immediately

  • sogleich wirksam werden

    take effect immediately

Similar words

sofort: Immediately after a request or command, without hesitation.
gleich: Within a short time, but not necessarily this exact moment.
direkt: Straightaway, without an intervening step or intermediary.

Definition in German

sogleich heißt in diesem Augenblick, unmittelbar und ohne Zeitverlust.

Word origin

The word preserves an older phrase meaning 'in the same way', whose temporal use came to mean 'immediately' or 'without delay'.

Usage tips

  • Sogleich is commonly used in formal writing and announcements; sofort is more common in direct everyday statements.

Opposites

Word lists with this word