German word

spontan

Pronunciation

IPA/ʃpɔnˈtaːn/

Meaning

  • adjectivespontaneous

Example

Das war eine spontane Entscheidung.

That was a spontaneous decision.

Illustration for spontan (spontaneous)

More examples

Seine spontane Idee löste Begeisterung aus.

His spontaneous idea sparked enthusiasm.

Core concept

A decision or action appears from an inner impulse rather than from a prepared plan.

Common phrases

  • spontane Idee

    spontaneous idea

  • spontane Einladung

    spontaneous invitation

Similar words

ungeplant: Not arranged or decided in advance.
plötzlich: Happening suddenly and unexpectedly.
impulsiv: Driven by an urge without much thought.

Definition in German

Ohne vorherige Planung aus innerem Antrieb geschehen oder entschieden

Word origin

German "spontan" comes through French "spontané" from Latin "spontaneus", meaning voluntary or arising of its own accord.

Usage tips

  • "Spontan" often describes an unplanned choice or invitation, while "plötzlich" mainly describes something happening suddenly.

Other meanings

  • suddenadjective
  • improvisedadjective

Opposites

  • überlegtconsideredadjective

Related words

  • Spontaneitätspontaneitynoun

Word lists with this word