momentan
currently
At the present time; currently or at the moment.
EXAMPLE
Momentan habe ich leider keine Zeit für ein Treffen.
Unfortunately, I currently don't have time for a meeting.
momentan
currently
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Meanings
momentan
instantaneous
In physics and technology: related to a specific moment or instant; instantaneous.
EXAMPLE
Der Tacho zeigt die momentane Geschwindigkeit des Fahrzeugs an.
The speedometer shows the vehicle's instantaneous speed.
Usage tips
Word structure
The adverb 'momentan' (currently) is derived directly from the noun 'der Moment' (the moment). So it describes a state that is valid for the present moment.
EXAMPLE
Einen Moment bitte, ich bin gleich für Sie da.
One moment please, I'll be right with you.
False friend
'Momentan' means 'zurzeit' (at the moment) or 'gegenwärtig' (currently). Don't confuse it with the English 'momentarily', which often means 'in Kürze' (in a moment).
EXAMPLE
Die Chefin ist momentan in einer Besprechung.
The boss is currently in a meeting.
Sentence position
As an adverb, 'momentan' (currently) is flexible. It can stand at the beginning of the sentence in position 1 (then the verb follows), or in the middle field of the sentence, usually after the verb and the subject.
EXAMPLE
Momentan ist das Restaurant geschlossen.
The restaurant is currently closed.
Context clue
You can recognize the physical-technical meaning from the context. It appears almost exclusively in technical language, often in connection with measured values such as 'Geschwindigkeit' (speed), 'Leistung' (power), or 'Beschleunigung' (acceleration).
EXAMPLE
Der Sensor misst den momentanen Druck im System.
The sensor measures the instantaneous pressure in the system.
Compare with
momentan vs jetzt
now
Jetzt refers to the present and often highlights a change from before. Momentan describes a current state that may appear temporary. Both can be used for present states; the intended perspective, whether on change or limited duration, determines the choice.
momentan
Wegen einer Reparatur fährt Nina momentan mit dem Fahrrad.
Nina is currently riding her bike because of repairs.
jetzt
Früher fuhr Nina mit dem Bus, aber jetzt fährt sie mit dem Fahrrad.
Nina used to take the bus, but now she rides her bike.
In real life
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