In German
fast
Meaning: almost / nearly (not “fast” as in quick!)
Example sentences
Wirsindfastangekommen.
We've nearly arrived.
DasGlasistfastleer.
The glass is nearly empty.
Grammar note
German “fast” is a textbook false friend: it looks identical to English “fast” (quick) but means “almost/nearly”. The German word for speed is “schnell”. See the plain-meaning page on [“almost”](/german/adjectives/almost) for more examples.
Common mistake
Don't read a German sentence with “fast” and assume it's talking about speed — it almost always means “almost”, not “quickly”.
Quick check
What does German “fast” actually mean?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
So how do you say “fast” (quick) in German?
“Schnell” — a completely different word from “fast” (almost).
Why do these two words look alike?
Pure coincidence across languages — they share no common root.