plötzlich
suddenly
Describes an event that happens unexpectedly, quickly, and without warning.
EXAMPLE
Wir saßen im Garten, als es plötzlich anfing zu regnen.
We were sitting in the garden when it suddenly started to rain.
plötzlich
suddenly
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Meanings
Usage tips
Sentence position
'Plötzlich' (suddenly) can stand in different positions in the sentence. If it stands at the beginning of the sentence (position 1), the verb follows directly. But it can also stand in the middle of the sentence, usually after the finite verb.
EXAMPLE
Plötzlich ging das Licht aus.
Suddenly the light went out.
Narrative function
This adverb is an important signal word in storytelling. It marks an unexpected moment and creates suspense or surprise.
EXAMPLE
Sie las ein Buch, als plötzlich das Telefon klingelte.
She was reading a book when suddenly the phone rang.
As an adjective
'Plötzlich' (suddenly/sudden) can also be used as an adjective before a noun. It then describes a noun that appears or happens unexpectedly and is declined like other adjectives.
EXAMPLE
Ein plötzlicher Wetterumschwung überraschte die Wanderer.
A sudden change in the weather surprised the hikers.
Compare with
plötzlich vs spontan
spontaneous
Both words can describe an unexpected action or change. Plötzlich mainly emphasizes that something happens quickly and without warning, whereas spontan highlights the lack of planning or the immediate impulse. Use spontan when someone makes a decision in the moment, and plötzlich when the onset is surprising.
plötzlich
Plötzlich begann es auf dem Heimweg stark zu regnen.
Suddenly, it started raining heavily on the way home.
spontan
Wir beschlossen spontan, wegen des Regens noch einen Kaffee zu trinken.
Because of the rain, we spontaneously decided to have another coffee.
In real life
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