swift / drafty
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swift
Fast, smooth, and without unnecessary delays or interruptions. Usually describes a process, movement, or way of working.
Dank der guten Vorbereitung ging die Arbeit zügig voran.
Thanks to the good preparation, the work progressed swiftly.
The adjective 'zügig' (swift) is related to the noun 'der Zug' (train/draft). It describes a movement or process that moves forward steadily and without interruption, like a train.
Die Bauarbeiten an der neuen Brücke gehen zügig voran.
Construction work on the new bridge is progressing swiftly.
'Zügig' (swift/swiftly) is very often used as an adverb to describe how an action is carried out. It then remains unchanged in the sentence and refers to the verb.
Bitte antworten Sie zügig auf diese E-Mail.
Please reply to this email promptly.
Common combinations are 'zügig arbeiten' (to work swiftly), 'zügig vorankommen' (to make swift progress), or 'eine zügige Antwort erwarten' (to expect a prompt reply). It is often used in professional or formal contexts.
Wir erwarten eine zügige Bearbeitung unseres Antrags.
We expect prompt processing of our application.
The meaning 'von Luftzug durchströmt' (filled with a draft) is very rare and is only understood in some regions. The main meaning is almost always 'schnell und ohne Verzögerung' (fast and without delay).
Die Besprechung verlief sehr zügig und war nach 30 Minuten beendet.
The meeting proceeded very swiftly and was over after 30 minutes.
fast / quick
'schnell' and 'zügig' both describe something not happening slowly. 'schnell' mainly emphasizes speed or that something takes little time. 'zügig' also emphasizes that something is progressing well, without pauses or unnecessary interruptions. For example, you say 'zügig arbeiten' (to work steadily/efficiently) or 'zügig weitergehen' (to keep moving along) when the process should be smooth. 'schnell' is more general; 'zügig' fits especially well with work, movement, and processes.
Nach der Pause arbeitet das Team zügig weiter.
After the break, the team continues working steadily.
Der Bus war heute Morgen ungewöhnlich schnell.
The bus was unusually fast this morning.