die Zeit vergeht wie im Flug
feminine
The English phrase "time flies" can be translated into German as die Zeit vergeht wie im Flug.
This idiom is used to express that a period of time felt much shorter than expected due to enjoyment or preoccupation. While it describes the passage of time, you can use related words for specific durations such as Stunde (hour), Tag (day) or Monat (month).
Meaning: time seems to pass quickly (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase wie im Flug literally means "like in flight".
Which one should you use?
For more casual or energetic expressions, you might use Wie die Zeit rennt! (How time runs!) or Die Zeit rast nur so dahin! (Time is racing away! / Time is flying!).
Did you know?
- The German word Zeit is a cognate of the English word 'tide'. In Old English, 'tide' meant 'time' in general, which is why we still use it in phrases like 'Yuletide' or 'eventide'.
- The German language has the word Zeitgeist, which refers to the 'spirit of the time'. It describes the intellectual and cultural climate of a specific era.
- German uses the verb vergehen in die Zeit vergeht, which can also mean 'to pass away' or 'to vanish'. This adds a subtle sense of loss to the feeling that time is flying.
Examples in context
- Die Zeit vergeht wie im Flug.Time flies like an arrow.This sentence shows the standard use of die Zeit vergeht wie im Flug.Tatoeba #5133781 by dispy, translation #240403 by CM
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Hannah are chatting at a cafe.
- JulianWahnsinn, es ist schon spät!Amazing, it is already late!
- HannahJa, die Zeit vergeht wie im Flug.Yes, time flies.
- JulianWollen wir noch einen Kaffee trinken?Do we want to have another coffee?
- HannahGerne, Hannah hat Zeit.Gladly, Hannah has time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “time flies” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Flug, Zeit, die, im, wie, zeit, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
