das Tempo
speed
The speed at which something moves or a process takes place.
EXAMPLE
Auf der Autobahn wurde das Tempo wegen des starken Regens reduziert.
On the highway, the speed was reduced because of the heavy rain.
das Tempo
speed / tissue / tempo
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
das Tempo
tissue
A paper tissue. The term comes from the brand name 'Tempo' and is used colloquially as a generic term for all paper tissues.
EXAMPLE
Hast du mal ein Tempo für mich? Ich habe Heuschnupfen.
Do you have a tissue for me? I have hay fever.
das Tempo
tempo
In music, the speed at which a piece is to be played. It is often indicated with Italian terms such as 'allegro' or 'adagio'.
EXAMPLE
Der Dirigent wählte für den zweiten Satz ein sehr langsames Tempo.
The conductor chose a very slow tempo for the second movement.
Usage tips
Context clue
The three meanings of 'Tempo' are easy to recognize from context. In traffic or at work, it is about speed. With a cold or allergy, it means a paper tissue. In a concert or a musical score, it refers to musical speed.
EXAMPLE
Wegen des Nebels mussten alle Autofahrer das Tempo reduzieren.
Because of the fog, all drivers had to reduce their speed.
Typical collocations
In connection with speed, there are fixed expressions. 'Tempo machen' means to hurry up. Other common verbs are 'das Tempo erhöhen' (to increase the speed), 'das Tempo drosseln' (to slow down), or 'das Tempo halten' (to maintain the pace).
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen Tempo machen, sonst verpassen wir den Zug.
We have to hurry up, otherwise we'll miss the train.
Colloquial brand name
The use of 'Tempo' for a paper tissue is colloquial. It is a brand name that became so popular that it came to stand for the product itself. In more formal contexts, you would say 'Papiertaschentuch' (paper tissue).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe immer eine Packung Tempos in meiner Tasche.
I always have a pack of tissues in my bag.
Italian origin
The word 'Tempo' comes from Italian, where it means 'time' or 'speed'. This also explains its use in the international language of music.
EXAMPLE
Das hohe Tempo der modernen Arbeitswelt verursacht bei vielen Menschen Stress.
The fast pace of the modern working world causes stress for many people.
Compare with
Tempo vs Schritt
step
Schritt and Tempo can both describe speed when walking. Schritt remains tied to the way someone walks and to individual steps, while Tempo generally refers to the speed of a movement or process. If you are talking only about walking, Schritt is more vivid; otherwise, Tempo is the better fit.
Tempo
Wegen des steilen Weges verlangsamte sie ihr Tempo.
Because of the steep path, she slowed her speed.
Schritt
Wegen des steilen Weges verlangsamte sie ihren Schritt.
Because of the steep path, she slowed her pace.
In real life
Loading video examples...