flink
/flɪŋk/
The English word "swift" can be translated into German using flink or rasch.
Meaning: fast, quick, rapid (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| flink | /flɪŋk/ |
| rasch |
The terms refer to being fast, quick or rapid. Note that while the adjective refers to speed, the noun Segler refers to the bird known as a swift and Garnwinde refers to a reel.
Which one should you use?
While both words describe speed, rasch is more commonly used in formal contexts to describe the speed of processes, such as a prompt response or a swift decision.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using flink as an adjective before a noun, it takes standard German adjective endings, such as in the phrase flinke Finger (nimble fingers).
How do you pronounce it?
/flɪŋk/
Did you know?
- The German word flink once meant 'gleaming' or 'shining' in Middle Low German. It evolved from describing something that catches the light to describing something that moves with a quick, light touch.
- German uses the word Segler for the swift bird, which literally translates to 'sailor'. This refers to the bird's effortless, gliding flight patterns through the air.
- In formal business correspondence, rasch is the preferred term for speed. Using flink in a professional email to describe a decision would sound oddly playful or childish.
Examples in context
- Vielen Dank für die rasche Antwort!Many thanks for the swift response!This sentence shows how to use rasch to express thanks for a prompt response.Tatoeba #1697172 by al_ex_an_der, translation #10162914 by sundown
- Die schnelle Lieferung des Pakets hat mich beeindrucktThe swift delivery of the package impressed me
- Ich brauche eine rasche AntwortI need a swift response
- Bitte erledigen Sie die Aufgabe zügigPlease complete the task swiftly
- Er ist ein flotter LäuferHe is a swift runner
- Die schnelle Hilfe des Nachbarn hat mich gerührtThe swift help of the neighbor touched me
- Das Eichhörnchen ist sehr flink.The squirrel is very quick.
- Sie ist eine flinke Maus.She is a nimble mouse.
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are watching a cat chase a mouse in the garden.
- LukasSchau mal, wie flink die Katze ist!Look how quick the cat is!
- HannahJa, sie ist wirklich sehr flink.Yes, she is really very quick.
- LukasSie hat die Maus sofort geschnappt.She caught the mouse immediately.
- HannahDas war eine beeindruckende Bewegung.That was an impressive movement.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “swift” translations and entries flink, rasch, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries flink, rasch, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
