Tempo
/ˈtɛmpo/neuter
The German word for tempo is Tempo.
In a musical context, Tempo refers to the number of beats per minute. While it describes musical pace, note that the word Geschwindigkeit is a common and general way to express tempo in formal German, whereas Schnelligkeit is more specific to speed rather than musical tempo.
Meaning: music: number of beats per minute (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word Tempo is a neuter noun. Its plural form is Tempos, and the genitive singular form is des Tempos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtɛmpo/
Did you know?
- In everyday German, Tempo is often used as a generic term for disposable tissues, similar to how English speakers use 'Kleenex'.
- In German, the plural of 'Tempo' can be expressed as Tempi, following Italian musical traditions, or as the more regular Tempos.
Examples in context
- Ein langsameres Tempo wäre besser.A slower tempo would be better.This sentence is useful for suggesting a change to a slower Tempo.Tatoeba #9937770 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6307248 by sundown
- Ich mag das langsame Tempo dieses Liedes.I like the slow tempo of this song.This sentence is useful for expressing a preference for the slow Tempo of a song.Tatoeba #10018755 by Melang, translation #8062924 by AlanF_US
- Es gibt nur ein Tempo, und das ist das richtige.There's only one tempo, and that's the right one.This sentence is useful for stating that there is only one correct Tempo.Tatoeba #8969876 by Esperantostern, translation #9116157 by sundown
- Bitte passen Sie Ihre Geschwindigkeit anPlease adjust your speed
- Der Dirigent bestimmt das Tempo des OrchestersThe conductor determines the tempo of the orchestra
- Wir müssen die Schnelligkeit unserer Fertigungsabläufe steigernWe need to increase the speed of our manufacturing processes
- Der Barockkomponist hat das Stück mit einem langsamen Tempo komponiert.The Baroque composer composed the piece with a slow tempo.
- Die Autobahn hat ein Tempolimit von 120 Stundenkilometern.The highway has a speed limit of 120 kilometers per hour.
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are practicing a song together.
- HannahFelix, das Tempo ist mir zu schnell.Felix, the tempo is too fast for me.
- FelixSollen wir das Tempo ein bisschen senken?Should we lower the tempo a bit?
- HannahJa, bitte. Dann passt das Tempo besser.Yes, please. Then the tempo fits better.
- FelixAlles klar, ich spiele es jetzt langsamer.All right, I will play it slower now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tempo” translations and entries Tempo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Tempo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
