Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Geschwindigkeit | /ɡəˈʃvɪndɪçkaɪ̯t/ | feminine |
| Schnelligkeit | /ˈʃnɛlɪçˌkaɪ̯t/ | feminine |
Both terms describe a rate of motion, but they are used in different contexts depending on whether you are talking about physical velocity or the quality of being quick.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Geschwindigkeit is formed from the adjective geschwind (fast/quick) and the suffix -igkeit, which is used to turn adjectives into abstract nouns.
Which one should you use?
Geschwindigkeit is used for a physical rate of motion or velocity, such as the speed of a car. In contrast, Schnelligkeit refers to the quality of being quick or the ability to react fast, rather than a measured physical velocity.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Both Geschwindigkeit and Schnelligkeit are feminine nouns. The plural of Geschwindigkeit is Geschwindigkeiten and the plural of Schnelligkeit is Schnelligkeiten.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡəˈʃvɪndɪçkaɪ̯t/
Did you know?
- The word 'geschwind' in 'Geschwindigkeit' shares a linguistic ancestor with the English word 'swift', making them distant cousins.
- Germany is famous for having sections of the Autobahn with no general speed limit, meaning the Geschwindigkeit is determined solely by the driver and safety conditions.
- German uses the word tempo as a synonym for Geschwindigkeit in many contexts, borrowing the term from Italian to describe pace or speed.
Examples in context
- Geschwindigkeit ist nicht alles.Speed isn't everything.This sentence demonstrates the use of Geschwindigkeit to express a general concept of speed.Tatoeba #7456541 by Yorwba, translation #2249998 by CK
- Der Zug nahm Geschwindigkeit auf.The train gained speed.This sentence shows how Geschwindigkeit is used when a vehicle or object gains motion.Tatoeba #641194 by al_ex_an_der, translation #43439 by CM
- Toms Schnelligkeit ist unglaublich.Tom's speed is incredible.This sentence shows the use of Schnelligkeit to describe a person's quickness.Tatoeba #7448692 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5744842 by CM
- Die Geschwindigkeit des Fahrzeugs ist zu hoch.The speed of the vehicle is too high.
- Die Geschwindigkeit wird in Metern pro Sekunde gemessen.The speed is measured in meters per second.
- Seine Schnelligkeit beeindruckt mich.His speed/quickness impresses me.
- 51 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Felix are driving in a car.
- SarahFelix, bitte reduziere deine Geschwindigkeit.Felix, please reduce your speed.
- FelixWarum? Ich fahre doch nicht so schnell.Why? I'm not driving that fast.
- SarahDie erlaubte Geschwindigkeit ist hier sehr niedrig.The allowed speed is very low here.
- FelixOh, du hast recht, ich fahre langsamer.Oh, you are right, I'll drive slower.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “speed” translations and entries Geschwindigkeit, Schnelligkeit, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
