If you want to know how to say now in German, the main word is jetzt. It means “now” and is used for the present moment or an immediate action. German also uses nun for “now” in a more formal or narrative style, and gerade for “right now” or “at the moment.”
“Now” in German is jetzt, pronounced approximately “yetst.” For “right now,” use gerade jetzt or simply gerade.
How Do You Say Now in German?
The usual German word for now is jetzt. Use it when talking about the present moment or telling someone to do something immediately. Ich lerne jetzt Deutsch means “I am learning German now”; see learning in German.
Jetzt can appear at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. German word order changes for emphasis, but the meaning remains clear.
Meaning: Now
Different German Words for Now
These words distinguish the present moment, an action currently in progress, a formal “now,” and immediate action.
1. Jetzt — Now
Jetzt is the everyday word. Ich muss jetzt gehen means “I have to go now.”
2. Gerade — Right Now / Currently
Gerade means “right now” or “at the moment” when describing an action in progress. Ich esse gerade means “I am eating right now.”
3. Nun — Now / Well Then
Nun can mean “now,” “well then,” or “at this point.” It sounds more formal, literary, or reflective than jetzt.
4. Sofort — Immediately
Sofort means “immediately” or “right away.” It is stronger than jetzt: Komm sofort! means “Come immediately!”
5. Heute — Today
Heute means “today,” not “now.” It refers to the whole current day, while jetzt refers to the present moment.
Now in German: Quick Comparison
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| German | Meaning | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| jetzt | now | Everyday present moment |
| gerade | right now / currently | Action in progress |
| nun | now / well then | Formal or reflective style |
| sofort | immediately | Urgent action |
| heute | today | Current day |
How to Pronounce Jetzt
Jetzt is pronounced approximately “yetst.” The j sounds like an English y, and the final tz sounds like “ts.” Keep it as one short syllable.
Do not pronounce the j like the English j in “jump.”
Where Does Jetzt Go in a German Sentence?
In a main clause, jetzt can begin the sentence: Jetzt gehe ich nach Hause, “Now I am going home.” If another element begins the sentence, the verb remains in second position: Ich gehe jetzt nach Hause.
For strong urgency, use sofort instead: Ich komme sofort, “I’m coming right away.”
Example Sentences Using Now in German
Use: Asking about the present moment.
Use: Describing a current situation.
Use: Offering two time choices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Now in German
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How do you say now in German?
Say jetzt, pronounced approximately “yetst.”
What is the difference between jetzt and gerade?
Jetzt means “now.” Gerade often means “right now” or “currently,” especially with an action in progress.
How do you say right now in German?
Use gerade jetzt, jetzt gerade, or simply gerade when the context is clear.
What does nun mean in German?
Nun means “now” or “well then.” It sounds more formal, literary, or reflective than jetzt.
How do you say immediately in German?
Say sofort, meaning “immediately” or “right away.”
How do you say not now in German?
Say jetzt nicht, meaning “not now.”
Summary: How to Say Now in German
The main word for now in German is jetzt. Use gerade for “right now” or “currently,” and sofort for “immediately.”
Nun is a more formal “now,” while heute means “today,” the whole current day rather than the exact moment.
