01
jetzt
now
Refers to the present moment; at this moment.
example
Ich kann nicht telefonieren, ich esse gerade jetzt.
I can't talk on the phone; I'm eating right now.
jetzt
now
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Sentence position
'Jetzt' (now) can be placed flexibly in a sentence. In position 1, it emphasizes the time and requires inversion (verb in position 2). Within the sentence, it usually comes after the conjugated verb.
EXAMPLE
Jetzt fängt der Film an.
Now the film is starting.
Use as a particle
'Jetzt' (now) can also express an emotional reaction such as impatience or determination. In this case, it marks less a point in time and more a consequence or turning point.
EXAMPLE
Jetzt hör aber auf damit!
Now stop that!
Context clue
When 'jetzt' (now) is used in contrast to the past (e.g., with words like 'früher' (formerly/in the past)), it refers not only to the moment but to the entire present day or era.
EXAMPLE
Früher war alles aus Holz, jetzt ist vieles aus Plastik.
In the past, everything was made of wood; now many things are made of plastic.
Fixed expression
The expression 'ab jetzt' (from now on) marks a starting point in the present and looks toward the future. It means 'from this moment onward'.
EXAMPLE
Ab jetzt rauche ich nicht mehr.
From now on, I won't smoke anymore.
Compare with
jetzt vs also
so / therefore
'jetzt' and 'also' can both introduce a consequence of a situation. 'also' usually clearly shows a logical conclusion: something is the case, therefore something else happens. 'jetzt' can also express a consequence, but it often sounds more strongly connected to the current situation or to determination. Learners can easily confuse the words because both can stand at the beginning of a sentence. If you really mean 'deshalb' (therefore), 'also' is often more precise. If you want to emphasize the new state from this moment on, 'jetzt' sounds more natural.
jetzt
Der Bus ist weg, jetzt müssen wir zu Fuß gehen.
The bus is gone; now we have to walk.
also
Er hat den Termin vergessen, also ruft er im Büro an.
He forgot the appointment, so he is calling the office.
In real life
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