in absehbarer Zeit
The English phrase 'anytime soon' is expressed in German as in absehbarer Zeit.
This phrase is used to refer to a time in the near future. In German, it is most frequently used within negative constructions, such as nicht in absehbarer Zeit, to indicate that an event is not expected to happen in the near future.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is literally composed of in (in), absehbarer (foreseeable or predictable) and Zeit (time).
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, the adjective absehbarer takes the -er ending because it is in the dative feminine singular form required by the preposition in in this context.
Did you know?
- The root of Zeit is linked to the Proto-Indo-European word for 'to divide', suggesting that 'time' is fundamentally viewed as something that is partitioned or sliced into segments.
- Because absehbar comes from the verb absehen, which means 'to look away' or 'to discern from a distance', the phrase literally involves the idea of looking ahead to see what is coming.
- German has a unique word Zeitgeist, meaning 'spirit of the time'. It uses the same noun Zeit found in in absehbarer Zeit to describe the intellectual mood of a specific era.
Examples in context
- Ich denke nicht, dass das in absehbarer Zeit passiert.I don't expect that to happen anytime soon.The sentence is useful for expressing that an event is not expected to happen in absehbarer Zeit.Tatoeba #4053027 by Zaghawa, translation #3135703 by CK
- Das Produkt wird in Kürze auf den Markt kommen.The product will be available on the market shortly.
- Wird es in absehbarer Zeit regnen?Will it rain anytime soon?
Example conversation
Felix and Laura are discussing their travel plans.
- FelixReist du in absehbarer Zeit nach Berlin?Are you traveling to Berlin anytime soon?
- LauraNein, ich bleibe noch ein paar Wochen hier.No, I am staying here for a few more weeks.
- FelixDann sehen wir uns erst viel später.Then we won't see each other until much later.
- LauraGenau, aber wir telefonieren ja regelmäßig.Exactly, but we talk on the phone regularly.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Zeit, in, zeit, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
