matter of seconds
die Sekundenschnelle
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matter of seconds
A very short period of only a few seconds; usually used in the fixed expression „in Sekundenschnelle“ (in a matter of seconds).
In Sekundenschnelle war das Glas vom Tisch verschwunden.
In a matter of seconds, the glass had disappeared from the table.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| genitive | der Sekundenschnelle |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Sekundenschnelle | – |
| accusative | die Sekundenschnelle | – |
| dative | der Sekundenschnelle | – |
| genitive | der Sekundenschnelle | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
„Sekundenschnelle“ is a compound made up of „Sekunde“ (second), the linking element „-n-“, and the noun „Schnelle“ (speed). „Schnelle“ is derived from the adjective „schnell“ (fast) and refers to speed.
Die Nachricht verbreitete sich in Sekundenschnelle im ganzen Dorf.
The news spread throughout the whole village in a matter of seconds.
The word is almost always used in the fixed expression „in Sekundenschnelle“ (in a matter of seconds). The expression means „innerhalb weniger Sekunden“ (within a few seconds); „in“ takes the dative here, which is not apparent in the form without an article.
In Sekundenschnelle hatte der Hund den Ball gefunden.
The dog had found the ball in a matter of seconds.
„In Sekundenschnelle“ (in a matter of seconds) is often used with verbs expressing a sudden change, a quick disappearance, or a rapid reaction. Typical collocations include „in Sekundenschnelle verschwinden“ (to disappear in a matter of seconds), „sich in Sekundenschnelle verändern“ (to change in a matter of seconds), and „in Sekundenschnelle reagieren“ (to react in a matter of seconds).
Das Wetter kann sich in Sekundenschnelle verändern.
The weather can change in a matter of seconds.
