schlechtes Timing
In German, bad timing is translated as schlechtes Timing.
The phrase is used to describe an unfortunate coincidence or an ill-timed event, much like in English.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective schlechtes (bad) and the noun Timing (timing).
Which one should you use?
While schlechtes Timing is the direct translation, you might use ungünstiges Timing to be slightly more precise or formal. For even more formal situations, you can use Unglücklicher Zeitpunkt to mean 'unfortunate timing' or Ungünstiger Zeitpunkt to mean 'inopportune timing'. In very relaxed, informal settings, you might say Echt blöder Zeitpunkt to express 'really bad timing'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective schlecht takes the -es ending because Timing is a neuter noun and is used here in the nominative or accusative case without a definite article.
Did you know?
- German speakers often use the word Glück, which typically means 'luck', to describe timing. Instead of saying the timing was bad, one might simply say Das war kein Glück to mean 'that was not lucky'.
- The phrase schlechtes Timing is part of a broader trend called Denglisch, where English words are integrated into German grammar. This allows speakers to switch between Timing and Zeitpunkt depending on whether they want to sound modern or traditional.
- In German, the adjective blöd in the phrase Echt blöder Zeitpunkt literally means 'stupid' but is used here as a common colloquialism for 'unfortunate' or 'annoying'.
Examples in context
- Leider war das Timing sehr ungünstig für die Veröffentlichung des Projekts.Unfortunately, the timing was very inopportune for the project release.
- Oh nein, schlechtes Timing! Genau in dem Moment ist der Bus abgefahren.Oh no, bad timing! The bus just left at that very moment.
- Das war wirklich schlechtes Timing.That was really bad timing.
- Es war leider schlechtes Timing bei dem Anruf.Unfortunately, it was bad timing with the phone call.
Example conversation
Laura calls Julian while he is in a very important meeting.
- LauraKann ich dich kurz sprechen?Can I speak to you for a moment?
- JulianTut mir leid, das ist gerade schlechtes Timing.I am sorry, that is bad timing right now.
- LauraBist du gerade im Meeting?Are you in a meeting right now?
- JulianJa, ich rufe dich später zurück.Yes, I will call you back later.
