01
die Eile
haste
A state of haste or time pressure in which you have to or want to get something done quickly.
example
In seiner Eile vergaß er die Schlüssel auf dem Tisch.
In his haste, he forgot the keys on the table.
die Eile
haste / hurry
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'die Eile' (haste) belongs to the verb 'eilen' (to hurry), which means 'to move quickly' or 'to hurry up'. Both words share the same stem and the basic meaning of haste and speed.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen jetzt eilen, sonst verpassen wir den Zug.
We have to hurry now, otherwise we'll miss the train.
Typical collocations
'Eile' is very often used in the fixed phrases 'in Eile sein' (to be in a hurry) or 'Eile haben' (to be in a hurry). Both mean that you have little time and need to hurry.
EXAMPLE
Entschuldigung, ich kann nicht reden, ich bin in Eile.
Sorry, I can't talk, I'm in a hurry.
Fixed expression
The phrase 'in aller Eile' (in great haste) emphasizes that something happens extremely quickly and often without preparation. It functions like an adverb that describes the action of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Er verließ das Haus in aller Eile und vergaß sein Handy.
He left the house in great haste and forgot his phone.
Register and style
The expression 'Eile ist geboten' (haste is required) is a formal and impersonal way of saying that quick action is necessary. You often find it in instructions, news reports, or warnings.
EXAMPLE
Da das Wasser steigt, ist bei der Evakuierung höchste Eile geboten.
Because the water is rising, the utmost haste is required during the evacuation.
Compare with
Eile vs Ruhe
quiet / calm
'die Ruhe' and 'die Eile' are opposites when it comes to pace and stress. 'Ruhe' means that you act without pressure or can recover. 'Eile' means that there is little time and you have to act quickly. When you are in haste, you often do things hurriedly. 'Ruhe' fits when you have time, can think, or want to relax. 'Eile' fits when something is urgent or has to be done quickly.
Eile
Wegen der Eile vergaß Max seine Schlüssel auf dem Tisch.
Because of the rush, Max forgot his keys on the table.
Ruhe
Für diese schwierige Aufgabe brauche ich Ruhe und genug Zeit.
For this difficult task, I need calm and enough time.
In real life
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