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blitzschnell
lightning-fast
Extremely fast; as fast as lightning.
example
Mit einer blitzschnellen Reaktion konnte der Torwart den Ball noch abwehren.
With a lightning-fast reaction, the goalkeeper was still able to block the ball.
blitzschnell
lightning-fast
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is a compound of 'Blitz' (lightning) and 'schnell' (fast). So it literally means 'as fast as lightning' and expresses extremely high speed.
EXAMPLE
Der Gepard ist für seine blitzschnellen Sprints bekannt.
The cheetah is known for its lightning-fast sprints.
Use as an adverb
'Blitzschnell' (lightning-fast) is very often used as an adverb to describe how an action is carried out. It then remains unchanged in the sentence and refers to the verb.
EXAMPLE
Er verstand blitzschnell, was er tun musste.
He understood lightning-fast what he had to do.
Typical collocations
Common combinations are 'eine blitzschnelle Reaktion' (a lightning-fast reaction), 'eine blitzschnelle Bewegung' (a lightning-fast movement), or verbs such as 'blitzschnell handeln' (to act lightning-fast), 'blitzschnell reagieren' (to react lightning-fast), and 'blitzschnell entscheiden' (to decide lightning-fast).
EXAMPLE
Dank seiner blitzschnellen Reaktion konnte er einen Unfall verhindern.
Thanks to his lightning-fast reaction, he was able to prevent an accident.
Compare with
blitzschnell vs schnell
fast / quick
'schnell' and 'blitzschnell' both describe that something happens in a short time or at high speed. 'schnell' is the normal word and fits almost all everyday situations. 'blitzschnell' is stronger and emphasizes that something happens extremely quickly, almost immediately. It sounds more vivid and a bit more figurative. If you only want to say that something happens quickly, 'schnell' is more natural. If you want to highlight the exceptional speed, 'blitzschnell' fits better.
blitzschnell
In der Pause beantwortet Simon die Nachricht blitzschnell.
During the break, Simon answers the message lightning-fast.
schnell
Vor dem Termin esse ich schnell noch ein Brot in der Küche.
Before the appointment, I quickly eat a slice of bread in the kitchen.
In real life
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