How to Say "Countdown" in German

Countdown

[ˈkaʊ̯ntˌdaʊ̯n]masculine

The English phrase "countdown" can be translated into German as Countdown.

The word refers to a count backward to the time of some event.

Meaning: a count backward to the time of some event (noun)

Did you know?

Germans sometimes use the phrase den Countdown starten to mean they are beginning the final preparations for a project, even if no actual numbers are spoken.
Because Countdown is an English loanword, it is frequently used in advertising and marketing in Germany to sound modern and international.
If you are counting down to a specific moment, you might use the verb herunterzählen, which follows a different grammatical pattern than English.

Der Countdown zum neuen Jahr hat schon begonnen.
The countdown for the New Year has begun.
This sentence is useful for seeing how to use Countdown in the context of the New Year.
Tatoeba #13397323 by Waldelfe, translation #3930949 by Amastan
Wir beginnen die Rückwärtszählung für das neue Jahr.
We are beginning the countdown for the new year.
Der Countdown bis zum Feuerwerk beginnt jetzt.
The countdown to the fireworks begins now.
Die Rückwärtszählung für das Spiel beginnt in fünf Minuten.
The countdown for the game begins in five minutes.
Wir müssen mit der Rückwärtszählung zum Raketenstart beginnen.
We must begin the countdown to the rocket launch.
Der Countdown bis zum Urlaub beginnt jetzt!
The countdown to the vacation begins now!
Der Countdown zum Start der Rakete läuft.
The countdown to the rocket launch is running.
Wir brauchen einen Countdown für das Event.
We need a countdown for the event.

Laura and Julian are preparing for a big party at home.

Laura

Hast du den Countdown für die Party schon erstellt?
Have you already created the countdown for the party?
Julian

Ja, der Countdown läuft jetzt auf meinem Handy.
Yes, the countdown is running on my phone now.
Laura

Super, dann können wir bald anfangen.
Great, then we can start soon.
Julian

Ich bin bereit, Laura.
I am ready, Laura.