ruckzuck
in no time
A colloquial expression meaning that something happens very quickly and without delay.
EXAMPLE
Keine Sorge, die Reparatur ist ruckzuck erledigt.
Don't worry, the repair will be done in no time.
ruckzuck
in no time
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
'Ruckzuck' (in no time) is an onomatopoeic reduplication made up of 'Ruck' (sudden movement) and 'Zuck' (short, quick movement). It conveys the image of something happening almost instantly and effortlessly.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder haben ihr Zimmer ruckzuck aufgeräumt.
The children tidied up their room in no time.
Register: colloquial
This word clearly belongs to colloquial language. It is often used in spoken language to express speed, but it usually sounds inappropriate in formal or written contexts.
EXAMPLE
Warte kurz, ich bin ruckzuck wieder da!
Wait a moment, I'll be back in no time!
Sentence position
As an adverb, 'ruckzuck' (in no time) is flexible. It can stand in position 1, which forces the verb into the second position, or it can be placed inside the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Ruckzuck war der ganze Kuchen aufgegessen.
In no time, the whole cake had been eaten.
Compare with
ruckzuck vs gleich
immediate / same
Gleich and ruckzuck can announce that an action will happen soon. Gleich mainly indicates that something will happen shortly and can allow for a brief delay; ruckzuck, in colloquial language, emphasizes that the action itself will be completed very quickly. Choose ruckzuck for this emphasized speed.
ruckzuck
Ich räume die Küche ruckzuck auf, damit wir bald spazieren gehen können.
I'll tidy the kitchen in no time so we can go for a walk soon.
gleich
Ich räume die Küche gleich auf, wenn ich mit dem Essen fertig bin.
I'll tidy the kitchen shortly once I'm done eating.
In real life
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