im Moment
/ɪm moˈmɛnt/word by word
The English phrase 'at the moment' is translated into German as im Moment. Wiktionary also lists momentan.
Meaning: right now (prep_phrase)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| im Moment | /ɪm moˈmɛnt/ (word by word) |
| momentan | [momɛnˈtaːn] (narrow) |
The phrase is used to describe something happening right now. In more formal contexts, you can also use Zurzeit or Aktuell to convey the same meaning.
What does it mean word for word?
im Moment is a contraction of in dem Moment, which literally means 'in the moment'.
Which one should you use?
im Moment is a prepositional phrase, whereas momentan is an adjective or adverb. While both can mean 'at the moment', momentan often sounds slightly more formal or technical in a business context.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bavarian dialects, you may hear the word grod to express 'at the moment'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective momentan can function as an adverb to mean 'at the moment' or 'currently'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɪm moˈmɛnt/
Did you know?
- The word Moment originally described the physical movement of a scale when a weight was added. This suggests that a 'moment' is not just a slice of time, but a tiny tipping point or motion.
- German uses the word aktuell for 'at the moment', but this is a false friend because the English word 'actually' means 'in reality' rather than 'now'.
- While im Moment means 'at the moment', the word Moment can also be used alone as a command meaning 'Wait!' or 'Hold on!'
Examples in context
- Was spielt ihr im Moment?What are you playing at the moment?This sentence shows how to use im Moment to ask about a current activity.Tatoeba #2463281 by Zaghawa, translation #10694543 by sundown
- Tom ist im Moment Neunter.Tom is ninth at the moment.This sentence uses im Moment to describe a current state or ranking.Tatoeba #3304041 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3303596 by Hybrid
- Im Moment ist keiner im Büro.At the moment, there isn't anyone in the office.This sentence uses im Moment to indicate the current absence of people in a location.Tatoeba #1462396 by Manfredo, translation #1442301 by Eldad
- Im Moment bin ich sehr beschäftigt.At the moment, I am very busy.
- Im Moment haben wir keine freien Termine.At the moment, we have no available appointments.
- Zurzeit arbeiten wir an einem wichtigen Projekt.At the moment, we are working on an important project.
- Zurzeit finde ich keine passende Lösung.At the moment, I cannot find a suitable solution.
- Die Lage ist aktuell sehr angespannt.The situation is currently very tense.
- Ich habe gerade viel zu tun.I currently have a lot to do.
- Ich muss jetzt gerade los.I have to go right now.
- Jetzt gerade läuft meine Lieblingssendung im Fernsehen.My favorite show is on TV right now.
- In diesem Augenblick habe ich an dich gedacht.At this moment, I thought of you.
- In diesem Augenblick fällt mir nichts dazu ein.At this moment, I can't think of anything related to that.
- I bin grad aufm Sprung.I'm currently in a rush.
- 62 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are talking on the phone about a project.
- HannahHast du kurz Zeit für mich, Felix?Do you have a moment for me, Felix?
- FelixTut mir leid, im Moment bin ich sehr beschäftigt.I'm sorry, at the moment I am very busy.
- HannahWann passt es dir dann besser?When would it suit you better then?
- FelixIch rufe dich in einer Stunde zurück.I will call you back in an hour.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “at the moment” translations and entries im Moment, momentan, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (im, Moment) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Moment, im, momentan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
