01
bald
soon
In a short time; in the near future.
example
Keine Sorge, der Bus kommt bald.
Don't worry, the bus will come soon.
bald
soon / almost
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Position in the sentence
As a time adverb, 'bald' (soon) can stand in different positions in the sentence. If it stands at the beginning (position 1), the verb follows directly after it.
EXAMPLE
Bald fängt der Film an.
The film will start soon.
Recognizing the meaning
The meaning of 'bald' depends on the context. If it refers to time, it means 'in Kürze' (soon/shortly). If it refers to an amount or a state, it means 'fast' (almost) or 'beinahe' (nearly).
EXAMPLE
Wir sind bald da.
We'll be there soon.
Fixed expressions
'Bald' is part of several fixed and useful expressions. 'Bis bald!' (See you soon!) is a common farewell, and 'so bald wie möglich' (as soon as possible) means that something is urgent.
EXAMPLE
Bitte schicken Sie mir die Unterlagen so bald wie möglich zu.
Please send me the documents as soon as possible.
Double use
The structure 'bald ..., bald ...' describes a rapid change between two different actions or states. It connects two main clauses or sentence parts.
EXAMPLE
Das Wetter war unbeständig: bald schien die Sonne, bald regnete es.
The weather was changeable: now the sun was shining, now it was raining.
Compare with
bald vs gleich
immediate / same
'gleich' and 'bald' both talk about something that happens in the future. 'gleich' is very near: it often means in a few seconds or minutes. 'bald' is further away and less precise: it can mean later today, in a few days, or generally in the near future. They can be confused because both express 'not now, but soon'. If something happens almost immediately, 'gleich' is more natural. If the exact time is open, 'bald' fits better.
bald
Der Mitarbeiter reist bald zu einer Schulung nach Hamburg.
The employee will soon travel to Hamburg for a training course.
gleich
Wir gehen gleich los, nur Mehmet sucht noch seinen Schlüssel.
We're leaving right away; Mehmet is just still looking for his key.
In real life
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