Expresses that something is happening or valid at present, at the moment, or during the current period of time. It is always written as one word.
example
Zurzeit sind leider keine Termine mehr frei.
Unfortunately, there are currently no appointments available.
Usage tips
Important spelling
When you mean 'im Moment' (at the moment) or 'gegenwärtig' (currently), 'zurzeit' (currently) is always written as a single word. This is a common mistake, so pay special attention to it.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe zurzeit sehr viel Arbeit.
I currently have a lot of work.
Sentence position
As an adverb, 'zurzeit' (currently) is flexible. It can stand at the beginning of the sentence (position 1), in which case the verb follows immediately. But it can also stand after the verb and the subject.
EXAMPLE
Zurzeit lerne ich jeden Tag Deutsch.
Currently, I study German every day.
Register
'Zurzeit' (currently) is a neutral word that you can use in almost all situations, both in spoken language and in formal texts such as emails or letters.
EXAMPLE
Die Ausstellung ist zurzeit wegen Umbauarbeiten geschlossen.
The exhibition is currently closed due to renovation work.
Compare with
near_synonym · confusable
zurzeit vs jetzt
now
'jetzt' and 'zurzeit' both refer to the present. 'jetzt' fits especially well when you mean the current moment or when something is happening immediately. 'zurzeit' is more about a current phase that lasts for a while but is not necessarily permanent. Learners confuse the words because both can mean 'at the moment'. As a guide: 'jetzt' is often a point in time, while 'zurzeit' is more of a period of time.
zurzeit
Der Lehrer ist zurzeit krank und kommt nächste Woche zurück.
The teacher is currently sick and will be back next week.
jetzt
Komm bitte jetzt in die Küche, das Essen ist fertig.
Please come into the kitchen now; the food is ready.