nun
now
Indicates the current point in time and is a synonym of 'jetzt' (now).
EXAMPLE
Früher war hier ein Feld, nun steht hier ein Supermarkt.
There used to be a field here; now there is a supermarket here.
nun
now / well
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Meanings
nun
therefore
Introduces a logical result, consequence, or conclusion from what was said before. It means something like 'deshalb' (therefore) or 'folglich' (consequently).
EXAMPLE
Du hast lange geübt, nun sollte die Prüfung kein Problem sein.
You've practiced for a long time, so the exam should now be no problem.
nun
well
Used as a filler word or particle to soften a statement, express slight resignation, or continue a narrative.
EXAMPLE
Nun gut, dann machen wir es eben auf deine Art.
Well then, we'll just do it your way.
nun?
well?
Used as a short questioning particle to prompt a reaction or answer. It means something like 'Und jetzt?' (And now?) or 'Was ist?' (What is it?).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe alles erzählt. Nun? Was sagst du dazu?
I've told you everything. Well? What do you say to that?
Usage tips
Sentence position
When 'nun' comes at the beginning of a sentence, the conjugated verb usually follows directly. This word order (inversion) is typical when 'nun' introduces a temporal or logical sequence.
EXAMPLE
Nun beginnt die Vorstellung.
Now the performance begins.
Distinguishing meanings
To recognize the meaning, pay attention to the sentence structure. If 'nun' introduces a logical consequence, it is like 'deshalb' (therefore). If it marks a point in time, it is like 'jetzt' (now). As a particle in the middle of a sentence, it often expresses an emotion.
EXAMPLE
Es hat geregnet. Nun sind die Straßen nass.
It rained. Now the streets are wet.
Register and style
In the meaning of 'jetzt' (now), 'nun' is often used in written language or in a somewhat more formal, narrative style. It can mark a transition in a story or argument.
EXAMPLE
Nach langer Diskussion kamen sie nun zu einem Ergebnis.
After a long discussion, they now came to a conclusion.
Fixed expressions
As a particle, 'nun' is part of fixed expressions such as 'nun ja' (well) or 'nun gut' (all right then). These often express slight resignation or acceptance.
EXAMPLE
Nun ja, da kann man nichts machen.
Well, there's nothing you can do about that.
As a short question
The single question 'Nun?' (Well?) is a very direct prompt to speak or react. It creates an expectation in the other person.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe meine Geschichte beendet. Nun? Was meinst du?
I've finished my story. Well? What do you think?
Compare with
nun vs dann
then
When the next step follows from an established situation, both dann and nun can work. Dann emphasizes the consequence more strongly, whereas nun highlights the current stage that has been reached or the transition to this step. Dann is suitable for a straightforward consequence, while nun sounds more natural for the current transition.
nun
Die Koffer sind gepackt, nun fahren wir zum Bahnhof.
The suitcases are packed, so now we'll go to the train station.
dann
Die Koffer sind gepackt, dann fahren wir zum Bahnhof.
The suitcases are packed, so we'll go to the train station.
In real life
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