In German
schnell
Meaning: fast
Formal or informal? “Schnell” means fast or quick. Careful: in German “fast” means almost, not speed, as in “fast fertig” (almost ready).
Example sentences
Der Zug ist sehr schnell.
The train is very fast.
Ein schnelles Auto steht vor dem Haus.
A fast car is standing in front of the house.
Du schreibst sehr schnell.
You write very fast.
Grammar note
Before a noun it takes agreeing endings: “ein schneller Zug” (masculine), “eine schnelle Antwort” (feminine), “ein schnelles Auto” (neuter). Comparative: “schneller”, superlative “am schnellsten”.
Common mistake
Don't use “fast” in German for speed. “Fast” means almost, as in “fast fertig” (almost ready). For speed, say “schnell”.
Quick check
Which German word means “fast” as in quick?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
What is the German word for “almost”?
“Fast”, as in “fast fertig” (almost ready).
What is the comparative of “schnell”?
“Schneller” (faster), and the superlative is “am schnellsten”.