schnell
/ʃnɛl/
The English word "quick" can be translated into German as schnell, which is the default form. Wiktionary also lists geschwind and rasch.
Meaning: moving with speed (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| schnell | /ʃnɛl/ |
| geschwind | /ɡəˈʃvɪnt/ |
| rasch |
The German words for "quick" describe something moving or happening with speed. While schnell is the most common and versatile term used for both "fast" and "quick", other specific terms exist depending on the context.
Which one should you use?
schnell is the most versatile and frequently used word for both "fast" and "quick". geschwind is an alternative, while rasch acts as a formal synonym for "quick".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In southern Germany and Austria, the word fix is often used to mean "quick".
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "quicker" or "faster", use the comparative form schneller. For the superlative "the quickest" or "the fastest", use am schnellsten.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃnɛl/
Did you know?
- The ancestor of schnell did not just mean moving with speed, but also described someone who was 'brave' or 'bold'.
- If you use the word rasch in a modern conversation, it can sound somewhat literary or old-fashioned compared to the everyday schnell.
Examples in context
- Er ist zu schnell.He's too quick.This sentence uses schnell to describe someone being too quick.Tatoeba #3570465 by al_ex_an_der, translation #11866851 by sundown
- Das war zu schnell.That was too quick.This sentence uses schnell to describe an event being too quick.Tatoeba #8650188 by Yorwba, translation #10794739 by sundown
- Er war sehr schnell.He was very quick.This sentence uses schnell to describe someone being very quick.Tatoeba #8305750 by GuidoW, translation #9096973 by sundown
- Bitte arbeiten Sie schnell an diesem Projekt.Please work quickly on this project.
- Die Lieferung sollte so schnell wie möglich erfolgen.The delivery should occur as quickly as possible.
- 141 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Sarah are getting ready to leave the house.
- LukasWir müssen schnell gehen!We have to go quickly!
- SarahIch brauche nur eine Minute.I just need one minute.
- LukasBeeil dich, der Bus kommt bald.Hurry up, the bus is coming soon.
- SarahOkay, ich bin jetzt schnell fertig.Okay, I am finished quickly now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “quick” translations and entries schnell, geschwind, rasch, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries geschwind, rasch, schnell, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
