neulich
/ˈnɔɪ̯lɪç/
The English phrase 'recently' can be translated into German as neulich. Wiktionary also lists vor kurzem and in letzter Zeit.
Meaning: in the recent past (adv)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| neulich | /ˈnɔɪ̯lɪç/ |
| vor kurzem | /foːɐ̯ ˈkʊʁt͡sm̩/ |
| in letzter Zeit |
German uses different phrases to express 'recently' depending on whether you are referring to a single event or a continuous period of time.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase vor kurzem literally translates to 'before shortly' or 'a short while ago'.
Which one should you use?
neulich is used to refer to a specific, single event that happened a short time ago. In contrast, in letzter Zeit describes a trend or a state that has been occurring over a recent duration of time, similar to the English 'lately'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈnɔɪ̯lɪç/
Did you know?
- The German word Zeit meaning 'time' is a cognate of the English word 'tide'. In Old English, 'tide' referred to a particular time or season rather than just the movement of the ocean.
- The phrase in letzter Zeit is often used to express a subtle sense of frustration or a negative change in behavior, similar to how 'lately' is used in 'you have been very moody lately'.
Examples in context
- War das vor Kurzem?Was that recently?This sentence is useful for asking if an event happened recently using vor kurzem.Tatoeba #9846658 by brauchinet, translation #9951593 by sundown
- Es ereignete sich vor Kurzem.It happened quite recently.This sentence shows how to describe an event happening recently using vor kurzem.Tatoeba #2193348 by Tamy, translation #42702 by CK
- Sie hat vor Kurzem entbunden.She has recently given birth.This sentence demonstrates the use of vor kurzem when describing a recent occurrence.Tatoeba #10459501 by Yorwba, translation #10465127 by sundown
- Ich habe vor Kurzem Ihre E-Mail erhalten.I recently received your email.
- In letzter Zeit haben sich viele Dinge geändert.Many things have changed recently.
- Ich habe neulich mit ihm gesprochen.I spoke to him recently.
- Ich war kürzlich im Kino.I was at the cinema recently.
- Ich habe ihn letztens getroffen.I met him recently.
- Neuerdings habe ich viel Sport getrieben.Recently, I have been doing a lot of sports.
- 247 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Lukas are talking about a movie they both saw.
- HannahHast du den neuen Film neulich gesehen?Did you see the new movie recently?
- LukasJa, ich war neulich im Kino.Yes, I was at the cinema recently.
- HannahWie fandest du den Film?How did you like the movie?
- LukasIch fand ihn wirklich spannend.I found it really exciting.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “recently” translations and entries neulich, vor kurzem, in letzter Zeit, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Zeit, in, neulich, vor, zeit, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
