In German

fast

Meaning: almost

Example sentences

  • Ichbinfastfertig.

    I'm almost done.

  • EsistfastachtUhr.

    It's almost eight o'clock.

Grammar note

“Fast” meaning “almost” is unrelated to the adjective “schnell” (fast/quick) — they just happen to look alike across languages. German “fast” never means speed.

Common mistake

Don't read German “fast” as the English word “fast” (quick) — see the dedicated [false-friend warning](/german/false-friends/nearly) for the full contrast.

Quick check

Which German word means “almost”?

More words on this topic

bereitreadywirklichreallyperfektperfectfastalmost / nearly (not “fast” as in quick!)

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Frequently asked questions

Does German “fast” ever mean “quick”?

No — that's “schnell”. German “fast” only ever means “almost/nearly”.

How do you say “almost done”?

“Fast fertig”.