alsbald
soon / immediately
An elevated or outdated expression for 'immediately', 'without delay', or 'very soon'.
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt versprach, alsbald nach dem Patienten zu sehen.
The doctor promised to see the patient very soon.
alsbald
soon / immediately
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Meanings
Usage tips
Register and style
'Alsbald' (soon / immediately) is an outdated and very formal word. It is no longer used in modern everyday language and can sound stiff or even funny. You mainly find it in historical literature or in formal, old-fashioned texts.
EXAMPLE
In dem alten Märchen versprach der König, alsbald Gerechtigkeit zu schaffen.
In the old fairy tale, the king promised to bring about justice without delay.
Word structure
The word is a compound of 'als' and 'bald'. 'Bald' means 'soon', and the combination expresses even greater urgency or immediacy, similar to 'as soon as possible'.
EXAMPLE
Er schickte einen Boten, der die Nachricht alsbald überbringen sollte.
He sent a messenger who was to deliver the message very soon.
Sentence position
As an adverb, 'alsbald' can stand in different positions in the sentence. If it is in position 1, the verb follows directly after it (inversion). But it can also stand after the verb and subject.
EXAMPLE
Alsbald erschien der Ritter auf seinem Pferd.
Soon the knight appeared on his horse.
Compare with
alsbald vs bald
soon / almost
Both words can express that something will happen very soon. “Bald” is the normal, neutral choice in everyday German, while “alsbald” sounds elevated or outdated and can suggest an immediate action. For an ordinary announcement, “bald” is therefore usually the better choice.
alsbald
Der Verwalter versprach, den Schaden alsbald zu prüfen.
The administrator promised to inspect the damage without delay.
bald
Bitte ruf mich bald zurück, damit wir den Termin besprechen können.
Please call me back soon so that we can discuss the appointment.
In real life
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