schlagartig
sudden / abrupt
Describes an event or change that happens very suddenly, abruptly, and unexpectedly.
EXAMPLE
Als das Licht ausging, wurde es schlagartig still im Raum.
When the light went out, the room became suddenly quiet.
schlagartig
sudden / abrupt
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'der Schlag' (the blow/strike) and the ending '-artig' (-like). So it describes something that happens 'in the manner of a blow'—that is, very suddenly and unexpectedly.
EXAMPLE
Die Stimmung änderte sich schlagartig, als die schlechte Nachricht kam.
The mood changed abruptly when the bad news arrived.
Sentence structure as an adverb
'Schlagartig' (suddenly/abruptly) is very often used as an adverb. It can appear at the beginning of a sentence, which requires inversion (verb before subject), or it can stand directly with the verb in the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Schlagartig verstand sie das Problem.
Suddenly, she understood the problem.
Typical collocations
'Schlagartig' (suddenly/abruptly) often describes a sudden change in a state or perception. Common combinations are 'schlagartig still werden' (to become suddenly quiet), 'sich schlagartig ändern' (to change abruptly), or 'jemandem wird etwas schlagartig klar' (something suddenly becomes clear to someone).
EXAMPLE
Mir wurde schlagartig klar, dass ich meinen Schlüssel vergessen hatte.
It suddenly became clear to me that I had forgotten my key.
Compare with
schlagartig vs plötzlich
suddenly
Both words describe an unexpected, rapid change. „Plötzlich“ is more general and emphasizes the surprising onset, while „schlagartig“ highlights an especially abrupt, often complete change. Use „schlagartig“ when something changes practically instantaneously, and „plötzlich“ for a general sense of surprise.
schlagartig
Als der Strom ausfiel, wurde es im Raum schlagartig dunkel.
When the power went out, the room suddenly went completely dark.
plötzlich
Plötzlich wurde es im Raum ganz still.
Suddenly, the room became completely quiet.
In real life
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