01
gemächlich
leisurely
Slow, unhurried, and in a calm, relaxed way.
example
Der alte Mann ging gemächlich mit seinem Hund im Park spazieren.
The old man took a leisurely walk with his dog in the park.
gemächlich
leisurely
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Meanings
Usage tips
Use as an adverb
'Gemächlich' (leisurely) is very often used as an adverb to describe the manner of an action. It usually stands directly with the verb and emphasizes a slow, calm execution.
EXAMPLE
Der Fluss fließt gemächlich durch das Tal.
The river flows leisurely through the valley.
Register and style
The word 'gemächlich' (leisurely) often sounds somewhat more vivid and positive than the neutral word 'langsam' (slow). It conveys an atmosphere of calm, enjoyment, and lack of hurry.
EXAMPLE
Wir machten einen gemächlichen Sonntagsausflug aufs Land.
We took a leisurely Sunday trip to the countryside.
Typical collocations
'Gemächlich' (leisurely) often describes a type of movement or a pace. Typical combinations are 'ein gemächliches Tempo' (a leisurely pace), 'ein gemächlicher Spaziergang' (a leisurely walk), or verbs like 'gemächlich gehen' (to walk leisurely), 'gemächlich fahren' (to drive/travel leisurely).
EXAMPLE
Die Kutsche bewegte sich in gemächlichem Tempo durch die Altstadt.
The carriage moved at a leisurely pace through the old town.
Compare with
gemächlich vs schnell
fast / quick
'schnell' and 'gemächlich' describe opposite types of pace. 'schnell' means that a movement, action, or process takes little time or happens at high speed. 'gemächlich' means slow, calm, and unhurried. It often sounds relaxed and is not necessarily negative. For appointments or urgent tasks, 'schnell' is usually more appropriate. For a walk, a break, or a calm movement, 'gemächlich' can sound very natural.
gemächlich
Im Park geht die Familie gemächlich am See entlang.
In the park, the family walks leisurely along the lake.
schnell
Vor dem Termin fährt der Fahrer schnell, aber vorsichtig durch die Stadt.
Before the appointment, the driver drives quickly but carefully through the city.
In real life
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