gerade
Meaning and Usage
"Gerade" is a versatile word in German and can be used as an adverb or an adjective. As an adverb, it means "just," "right now," or "straight" and is often used to indicate a specific point in time or to express that something is happening at the present moment. As an adjective, it means "straight," "direct," or "even."
Linguistic Analysis
The word "gerade" does not have a prefix, root, or suffix. It is derived from the Old High German word "gerād," meaning "straight" or "direct."
Comparisons between German and English
The German word "gerade" is similar to its English counterpart "straight" in terms of meaning, but it is used in a broader range of contexts in German, including indicating a specific point in time or expressing that something is happening at the present moment.
Cultural Context
In German culture, "gerade" is frequently used to indicate the immediacy or directness of an action or statement.
Example Sentences
- Adverb usage: Ich bin gerade zu Hause angekommen. (I have just arrived home.)
- Adjective usage: Die Straße ist gerade und breit. (The street is straight and wide.)
Memory Tips
To remember the adverb usage, think of "gerade" as meaning "just" or "right now." For the adjective usage, think of "gerade" as describing something "straight" or "even."
Additional Vocabulary
- Synonyms: nur, soeben (adverb usage); gleich, direkt (adjective usage)
- Related words: die Geradheit (straightness), geradlinig (straightforward)
Gender and Plural (for nouns)
"Gerade" is not a noun, so it does not have a gender or plural form.
Conjugation (for verbs)
As an adverb, "gerade" does not have a conjugation.