fast
Meaning and Usage
"Fast" in German translates to "almost" or "nearly" in English. It is commonly used to indicate proximity or a close approximation of a quantity, time, or location.
Linguistic Analysis
The word "fast" is an adverb in German. It does not have any prefix, root, or suffix, and its etymology can be traced back to the Old High German word "fast" meaning "almost."
Comparisons between German and English
The German word "fast" is similar to the English word "fast" in spelling but has a different meaning. In English, "fast" primarily means quick or rapid.
Cultural Context
In everyday conversation, "fast" is frequently used in German to express a sense of approximation or closeness to a specific state or condition.
Example Sentences
- Ich bin fast fertig mit meiner Arbeit. (I am almost finished with my work.)
- Das Konzert beginnt fast. (The concert is about to start.)
Memory Tips
To remember the meaning of "fast," think of it as emphasizing that something is "almost" or "nearly" reaching a certain state or condition.
Additional Vocabulary
- Beinahe (almost)
- Nahezu (almost/nearly)
Gender and Plural (for nouns)
N/A
Conjugation (for verbs)
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