01
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 mean that something happens after the planned or expected time. 'spät' is more general and can also simply describe a late time of day or a late point in time. 'verspätet' is more specific: it says that a plan, schedule, or appointment was not kept. Learners may confuse the words because in both cases someone or something can be too late. For trains, flights, deliveries, or official appointments, 'verspätet' sounds especially natural; 'spät' is broader and also fits everyday sentences.
verspätet
Sie kommt verspätet zum Training, weil der Bus im Stau steht.
She is late to training because the bus is stuck in traffic.
spät
Der Termin bei der Arbeit hat am Montag sehr spät angefangen.
The work meeting started very late on Monday.
In real life
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