speed of light
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speed of light
The speed at which electromagnetic waves, such as light, propagate in a vacuum. It is a fundamental constant of nature and the highest possible speed in the universe.
Nichts kann sich schneller als mit Lichtgeschwindigkeit bewegen.
Nothing can move faster than the speed of light.
at lightning speed
A colloquial expression meaning that something happens or moves extremely quickly.
Die Nachricht verbreitete sich mit Lichtgeschwindigkeit im Internet.
The news spread across the internet at lightning speed.
The word is made up of 'das Licht' (light) and 'die Geschwindigkeit' (speed). The 's' in between is a linking element that connects the two words.
Die Lichtgeschwindigkeit ist eine wichtige Konstante in der Physik.
The speed of light is an important constant in physics.
In the colloquial meaning, the fixed expression 'mit Lichtgeschwindigkeit' (at lightning speed / at the speed of light) is used almost exclusively to express extreme speed.
Er hat die Aufgabe mit Lichtgeschwindigkeit erledigt.
He completed the task at lightning speed.
In the figurative meaning, the expression is often combined with verbs such as 'sich verbreiten' (to spread), 'reagieren' (to react), or 'arbeiten' (to work).
Das Gerücht verbreitete sich mit Lichtgeschwindigkeit in der ganzen Firma.
The rumor spread through the entire company at lightning speed.
