der Augenblick
moment
A very short period of time; a moment.
EXAMPLE
Warten Sie bitte einen Augenblick, ich bin sofort für Sie da.
Please wait a moment, I'll be right with you.
der Augenblick
moment
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Meanings
der Augenblick
moment
The present point in time; the here and now.
EXAMPLE
In diesem perfekten Augenblick vergaß sie alle ihre Sorgen.
In this perfect moment, she forgot all her worries.
Usage tips
Word composition
'Augenblick' (moment) is a compound of 'Auge' (eye) and 'Blick' (glance/look). So it literally describes the span of time that a brief glance takes—a very short moment.
EXAMPLE
Es dauerte nur einen Augenblick, bis das Licht wieder anging.
It only took a moment for the light to come back on.
Fixed expression
The phrase 'Einen Augenblick, bitte!' (One moment, please!) is a very common and polite way to ask someone to wait briefly. It is often used as a standalone response.
EXAMPLE
„Haben Sie kurz Zeit?“ – „Einen Augenblick, bitte, ich telefoniere gerade.“
'Do you have a moment?' — 'One moment, please, I'm on the phone right now.'
Typical collocations
Common phrases are 'im richtigen Augenblick' (at the right moment) or 'jeden Augenblick' (any moment now, shortly). The latter expresses an expectation.
EXAMPLE
Er kam im richtigen Augenblick, um uns zu helfen.
He came at the right moment to help us.
Emphasizing the present
When 'Augenblick' (moment) describes a special, emotional moment, the preposition 'in' or the demonstrative article 'dieser' (this) is often used to emphasize the intensity of the moment.
EXAMPLE
In diesem Augenblick wusste sie, dass sie die richtige Entscheidung getroffen hatte.
At that moment, she knew that she had made the right decision.
Compare with
Augenblick vs Minute
minute
Minute and Augenblick can both refer to a very short period of time. „Eine Minute“ emphasizes the short duration, while „ein Augenblick“ places more emphasis on the specific moment being referred to. When an approximate waiting time is meant, „Minute“ is the natural choice; for a brief interruption, „Augenblick“ often fits better.
Augenblick
Warten Sie bitte einen Augenblick, ich bin sofort bei Ihnen.
Please wait a moment; I’ll be with you right away.
Minute
Warten Sie bitte eine Minute, bis ich die E-Mail fertig geschrieben habe.
Please wait a minute while I finish writing the email.
In real life
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