verspätet
late / delayed
Arriving or taking place later than planned, expected, or usual.
EXAMPLE
Wegen eines technischen Problems kam der Zug mit 30 Minuten Verspätung an.
Because of a technical problem, the train arrived 30 minutes late.
verspätet
late / delayed
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
'Verspätet' (late / delayed) is the past participle of the verb 'sich verspäten' (to be late) and is used as an adjective or adverb. It is derived from the word 'spät' (late).
EXAMPLE
Ich entschuldige mich für die verspätete Antwort.
I apologize for the late reply.
Adjective and adverb
You can use 'verspätet' (late / delayed) as an adjective before a noun or as an adverb referring to a verb. The form of the word does not change in the adverbial use.
EXAMPLE
Der verspätete Gast fand keinen Platz mehr.
The late guest could not find a seat anymore.
Typical collocations
This word is very often used in connection with means of transport and appointments. Typical combinations are 'ein verspäteter Zug' (a delayed train), 'ein verspäteter Flug' (a delayed flight), or 'verspätet ankommen' (to arrive late).
EXAMPLE
Aufgrund des Schnees startete der Flug verspätet.
Because of the snow, the flight departed late.
Compare with
verspätet vs spät
late
Spät and verspätet can both express that something happens later than expected. Spät can also simply refer to a late time, whereas verspätet explicitly marks a deviation from a scheduled or expected time. For a timetable or appointment, verspätet is therefore more precise.
verspätet
Der Zug kommt heute verspätet am Bahnhof an.
The train arrives at the station late today.
spät
Der Zug kommt heute spät am Abend an.
The train arrives late in the evening today.
In real life
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