01
gleich
right away
In a very short moment; immediately, right away.
example
Warte kurz, ich komme gleich!
Wait a second, I'll be right there!
gleich
immediate / same
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Meaning in the sentence
The meaning of 'gleich' depends strongly on its position and function in the sentence. As an adverb referring to an action, it means 'sofort' (immediately) or 'in Kürze' (shortly). Before a noun, it means 'identisch' (identical). As part of the predicate, it can mean 'egal' (it doesn't matter) or 'gleichberechtigt' (having equal rights).
EXAMPLE
Das Konzert fängt gleich an.
The concert is about to start.
Dative construction
To express that something is a matter of indifference to someone, the fixed structure 'jemandem gleich sein' (to not matter to someone) is used. The person who doesn't care is always in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Ob es regnet oder die Sonne scheint, ist ihm völlig gleich.
Whether it rains or the sun shines, it makes absolutely no difference to him.
Typical collocations
In the time-related meaning, 'gleich' is part of very common short expressions. 'Bis gleich!' (see you in a bit) is a typical farewell when you will see each other again in a few minutes or hours. 'Ich bin gleich wieder da' (I'll be right back) is also a fixed expression.
EXAMPLE
Ich gehe nur kurz zum Bäcker. Bis gleich!
I'm just going to the bakery quickly. See you in a bit!
Use before nouns
When 'gleich' comes before a noun, it means 'identisch' (identical) and is declined like a normal adjective. It describes that two or more things are of the same type or appearance.
EXAMPLE
Wir wohnen im gleichen Haus, aber in verschiedenen Wohnungen.
We live in the same house, but in different apartments.
Spatial proximity
To express direct spatial proximity, 'gleich' is often combined with a location phrase. Typical expressions are 'gleich nebenan' (right next door), 'gleich gegenüber' (right opposite), or 'gleich um die Ecke' (right around the corner).
EXAMPLE
Die Post ist gleich neben dem Supermarkt.
The post office is right next to the supermarket.
Compare with
gleich vs jetzt
now
'jetzt' and 'gleich' are close in time, but they do not mean the same thing. 'jetzt' means this moment: the action is already happening or should begin immediately. 'gleich' means a very short moment in the future: it is not happening quite now, but very soon. Learners confuse the words because both are often used in quick everyday situations. If something is already happening at this moment, use 'jetzt'. If something will happen in a few seconds or minutes, use 'gleich'.
gleich
Ich komme gleich in die Küche, ich muss nur noch die Nachricht fertig schreiben.
I'll come to the kitchen in a moment; I just need to finish writing the message.
jetzt
Wir gehen jetzt los, damit wir den Zug nicht verpassen.
We're leaving now so we don't miss the train.
In real life
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