schnell rennen
/ʃnɛl ˈʁɛnn̩/word by word
The English phrase "run fast" is translated into German as schnell rennen.
This phrase is used to describe moving at a high speed on foot. The word schnell translates to "fast" or "quick".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adverb schnell (fast) and the verb rennen (to run).
Which one should you use?
While schnell rennen implies a vigorous, sprinting motion, schnell laufen is often used more broadly to mean moving quickly on foot. In many German dialects, laufen is the standard word used for both "to walk" and "to run".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the simple past tense (Präteritum), the verb rennen changes to rennte.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃnɛl ˈʁɛnn̩/
Did you know?
- The German word rennen shares an ancestral root with the English word 'run' and was originally used to describe both people sprinting and liquids flowing.
- Because rennen implies a high-intensity sprint, using it to describe a casual jog can sound accidentally dramatic or urgent to a native speaker.
- In some contexts, rennen can be used metaphorically to describe a 'run' on a bank or a sudden rush of people toward a specific product.
Examples in context
- Er kann schnell rennen.He can run fast.This sentence shows how to express the ability to schnell rennen.Tatoeba #814951 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #301024 by CK
- Kannst du schnell rennen?Can you run fast?This sentence asks if someone has the ability to schnell rennen.Tatoeba #628245 by BraveSentry, translation #69135 by CK
- Tony kann schnell rennen.Tony can run fast.This sentence demonstrates that Tony has the ability to schnell rennen.Tatoeba #1341956 by al_ex_an_der, translation #37688 by CN
- Renn schnell, du schaffst das!Run fast, you can do it!
- Laufen Sie schnell, kleine*r Sportler*in!Run fast, little athlete!
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Hannah are at a sports field.
- MaximilianIch will heute wirklich schnell rennen.I really want to run fast today.
- HannahDas ist ein gutes Ziel, Maximilian.That is a good goal, Maximilian.
- MaximilianGlaubst du, dass ich schnell rennen kann?Do you think that I can run fast?
- HannahJa, Hannah sieht, dass du fit bist.Yes, Hannah sees that you are fit.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (schnell, rennen) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rennen, schnell, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
