flott
fast
Moving quickly, brisk, or done in a short time.
EXAMPLE
Mit dem neuen Fahrrad bin ich ziemlich flott unterwegs.
With the new bike, I get around pretty fast.
flott
fast / stylish
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Meanings
flott
stylish / lively
Lively, spirited, or fashionable and chic in appearance or behavior.
EXAMPLE
Sie trug ein flottes Kleid und sah fantastisch aus.
She wore a stylish dress and looked fantastic.
flott
casual / cheeky
Informal and relaxed in manner, sometimes also with the connotation of being sexually uninhibited.
EXAMPLE
Er ist für sein flottes Mundwerk bekannt.
He is known for his cheeky way of talking.
Usage tips
Colloquial tone
The adjective 'flott' is mainly used in colloquial language. It often sounds livelier and more relaxed than other words for 'schnell' (fast) or 'schick' (stylish).
EXAMPLE
Mit dem E-Bike komme ich morgens ganz flott zur Arbeit.
With the e-bike, I get to work really fast in the morning.
Movement and speed
In the meaning 'schnell' (fast), 'flott' often describes movement, pace, or the quick completion of tasks. Typical phrases are 'flott gehen' (to go quickly) or 'flott vorankommen' (to make quick progress).
EXAMPLE
Die Reparatur ging wirklich flott, nach einer Stunde war alles erledigt.
The repair went really fast; after an hour everything was done.
Appearance and style
When 'flott' refers to people or clothing, it means 'modisch' (fashionable), 'schick' (stylish), or 'schwungvoll' (lively). It describes a dynamic and positive visual impression.
EXAMPLE
Deine neue Frisur sieht richtig flott aus!
Your new hairstyle looks really stylish!
Pay attention to context
In relation to behavior or language, 'flott' can also mean 'ungezwungen' (informal) or 'locker' (relaxed). Depending on the context, however, it can also have a slightly negative meaning and be understood as 'too direct' or 'cheeky'.
EXAMPLE
Er ist bekannt für seine flotten Sprüche, die nicht bei jedem gut ankommen.
He is known for his cheeky remarks, which don't go over well with everyone.
Compare with
flott vs schnell
fast / quick
Schnell and flott can both express that an action takes little time. Schnell neutrally describes the speed or short duration. Flott additionally suggests a brisk process and is suitable when the work is progressing well.
flott
Das Team baute die Bühne flott und ohne längere Pausen auf.
The team set up the stage briskly, without any long breaks.
schnell
Das Team baute die Bühne schnell in einer Stunde auf.
The team set up the stage quickly, in one hour.
In real life
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