langsam
/ˈlaŋzaːm/
The English word "slow" is translated into German as langsam. Wiktionary also lists träge.
Meaning: not quick in motion (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| langsam | /ˈlaŋzaːm/ /ˈlaŋzam/ |
| träge | /ˈtʁɛːɡə/ /ˈtʁeːɡə/ |
It can be used as an adjective to describe something that is not quick in motion, or as an adverb meaning "slowly" without changing its form.
Which one should you use?
Use langsam to describe the physical speed of an object or person moving through space. In contrast, use träge to describe a lack of energy, movement or mental alertness, such as feeling sluggish or lethargic.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlaŋzaːm/
Did you know?
- German has a specific word gemütlich that is often associated with a 'slow' pace of life. It describes a cozy, slow, and relaxed atmosphere that has no direct English equivalent.
- The term träge can be used in a scientific context to describe 'inertia', the physical property of an object that resists changes in motion.
- When telling someone to slow down, such as a driver, Germans use the imperative langsamer!, which is actually the comparative form meaning 'slower'.
Examples in context
- Er ist zu langsam.He's too slow.This sentence shows how to describe a person being too slow using langsam.Tatoeba #10097602 by wolfgangth, translation #2213920 by Hybrid
- Du bist zu langsam.You're too slow.Tatoeba #5289301 by Sudajaengi, translation #2213919 by Hybrid
- Tom ist zu langsam.Tom is too slow.Tatoeba #10055819 by wolfgangth, translation #3171295 by CK
- Der Zug fährt langsam.The train is going slowly.
- Bitte sprechen Sie langsam.Please speak slowly.
- Das Auto bewegt sich langsam vorwärts.The car is moving slowly forward.
- Er spazierte gemächlich durch den Park.He strolled leisurely through the park.
- Genießen Sie das Essen in gemächlichem Tempo.Enjoy the food at a leisurely pace.
- Kannst du bitte langsam sprechen?Can you speak slowly, please?
- Warum bist du so langsam?Why are you so slow?
- Komm schon, beweg dich nicht im Schneckentempo!Come on, don't move at a snail's pace!
- Er hat immer ein Schneckentempo beim Essen.He always eats at a snail's pace.
- Hör auf zu trödeln!Stop dawdling!
- Wir müssen uns beeilen, du trödelst zu viel.We need to hurry, you're dawdling too much.
- 145 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Felix are walking together in a park.
- JuliaGeh bitte nicht so langsam.Please don't walk so slowly.
- FelixIch bin heute einfach nur langsam.I am just slow today.
- JuliaWir kommen sonst zu spät.Otherwise we will be too late.
- FelixKeine Sorge, Julia.Don't worry, Julia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “slow” translations and entries langsam, träge, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
