timely / prompt
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timely / promptly
Within a short period of time after a specific event or point in time; without delay or soon afterward.
Bitte reichen Sie die Unterlagen zeitnah ein, die Frist endet nächste Woche.
Please submit the documents promptly; the deadline is next week.
The word is made up of 'Zeit' (time) and 'nah' (near). So it literally means 'near in time' and describes a short deadline or a small time gap.
Eine zeitnahe Reaktion auf Kundenanfragen ist sehr wichtig.
A prompt response to customer inquiries is very important.
'Zeitnah' (timely / promptly) can be used as an adjective before a noun or as an adverb to describe a verb. Both uses are very common.
Wir benötigen eine zeitnahe Entscheidung.
We need a timely decision.
This word is used mainly in formal written language, as is common in offices, government agencies, or business contexts. It is used less often in everyday colloquial speech.
Der Bericht muss zeitnah fertiggestellt werden.
The report must be completed promptly.
Common verbs combined with 'zeitnah' (promptly) are 'erledigen' (to take care of), 'bearbeiten' (to process), 'informieren' (to inform), and 'antworten' (to reply). Typical nouns are 'Lösung' (solution), 'Bearbeitung' (processing), or 'Reaktion' (reaction).
Wir bemühen uns um eine zeitnahe Bearbeitung Ihres Antrags.
We are making every effort to process your application promptly.
in time / on time
Rechtzeitig means that something happens by a necessary point in time, so that it is still possible or no disadvantage arises. Zeitnah, by contrast, mainly emphasizes the short interval between something and a specific event. Rechtzeitig fits a deadline; for a quick response, zeitnah is often more appropriate.
Bitte schicken Sie die Antwort zeitnah nach dem Termin, damit wir die nächsten Schritte planen können.
Please send the response promptly after the appointment so that we can plan the next steps.
Bitte schicken Sie die Antwort rechtzeitig vor dem Termin, damit wir planen können.
Please send the response in time before the appointment so that we can plan.
