01
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
01 / 03
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
'der Schritt' and 'das Tempo' can both have to do with speed. Here, 'Schritt' means the way or speed with which someone walks, for example a slow or fast pace. 'Tempo' is more general and describes the speed of movements or processes. It can be used for running, working, learning, or also in music. Learners may confuse the words because both can be used to say that something is fast or slow. But 'Schritt' is especially suited to walking, while 'Tempo' fits almost any kind of speed.
Tempo
Beim Training war das Tempo für mich zu hoch.
During training, the pace was too high for me.
Schritt
Trotz des Regens ging sie mit schnellem Schritt nach Hause.
Despite the rain, she walked home at a fast pace.
In real life
Loading video examples...