short-term / at short notice
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short-term
Refers to a short period of time or a short duration.
Wir suchen eine kurzfristige Lösung, bis die endgültige Entscheidung getroffen wird.
We are looking for a short-term solution until the final decision is made.
The word is made up of 'kurz' (short) and 'Frist' (deadline/period). A 'Frist' is a fixed period of time. So 'kurzfristig' describes something that refers to a short period of time or happens quickly.
Für das Projekt gibt es nur eine sehr kurze Frist.
There is only a very short deadline for the project.
'Kurzfristig' can stand before a noun as an adjective or be used as an adverb that describes a verb. Both uses are very common.
Das ist nur eine kurzfristige Lösung des Problems.
This is only a short-term solution to the problem.
In the meaning 'with little lead time', 'kurzfristig' is often combined with verbs such as 'absagen' (to cancel), 'verschieben' (to postpone/reschedule), 'ändern' (to change), or 'entscheiden' (to decide).
Die Pläne haben sich kurzfristig geändert.
The plans changed at short notice.
short / brief
'kurz' and 'kurzfristig' both have to do with little time. 'kurz' usually describes the duration itself: a conversation, a visit, or a break does not last long. 'kurzfristig' is more about planning or the time remaining until something happens: something happens at short notice or only for a short time. So a 'kurzer Termin' is an appointment that does not last long. A 'kurzfristiger Termin', on the other hand, was planned late or is taking place soon. The words are easy to confuse because both sound like they refer to little time.
Der Arzt hat den Termin kurzfristig abgesagt.
The doctor canceled the appointment at short notice.
Das Gespräch mit Finn war kurz, weil der Zug gleich kam.
The conversation with Finn was brief because the train was coming soon.