speed
die Schnelle, die Schnellen
Loading your saved state.
quickly / in a hurry
Colloquial: within a short time and without lengthy preparation or much effort.
Auf die Schnelle konnte ich keinen Ersatz für den kranken Mitarbeiter finden.
I couldn't find a replacement for the sick employee at such short notice.
speed
Formal and rare today: the speed of a movement or process. In the expression „in aller Schnelle“ (in great haste), it means that something happens very quickly or in a great hurry.
Wir packten in aller Schnelle unsere Koffer und eilten zum Bahnhof.
We packed our suitcases in great haste and hurried to the train station.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Schnellen |
| genitive | der Schnelle |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Schnelle | die Schnellen |
| accusative | die Schnelle | die Schnellen |
| dative | der Schnelle | den Schnellen |
| genitive | der Schnelle | der Schnellen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
„Die Schnelle“ (speed) is derived from the adjective „schnell“ (fast): as with „Breite“ (width) or „Tiefe“ (depth), the ending „-e“ turns it into a feminine noun that describes a quality. In present-day German, it mainly appears in fixed expressions with prepositions.
Auf die Schnelle fand die Ärztin noch einen freien Termin.
The doctor quickly managed to find a free appointment.
„Auf die Schnelle“ (quickly) frequently occurs with verbs such as „erledigen“ (to take care of), „machen“ (to do), „organisieren“ (to organize), or „entscheiden“ (to decide). The expression usually describes a practical solution without extensive preparation.
Ich muss auf die Schnelle noch eine kurze E-Mail schreiben.
I still need to dash off a quick email.
The older meaning mainly appears in the fixed expression „in aller Schnelle“ (in great haste). This expression is often used with verbs involving packing, setting off, or hurrying.
Als das Gewitter begann, brachen die Gäste in aller Schnelle auf.
When the storm began, the guests left in great haste.
