'Plötzlich' Definition

What is the meaning of the German word 'Plötzlich'?

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The word 'Plötzlich' is a German word that can mean various things in English, such as 'Suddenly' or 'Suddenly'. Below are a few of the different meanings of the word 'Plötzlich', with examples sentences to help you understand how to use the word in context.

Definitions of 'Plötzlich' in English

Plötzlich - Sudden

adverb

The adverb 'plötzlich' means 'suddenly' in German, indicating an abrupt or unexpected event or change.

Example Sentences:

💡 Silly memory trick! 'Plötzlich' sounds like 'plot twist.' This association can help you remember that it describes something unexpected or sudden.

Plötzlich - Sudden

adjective

The adjective 'Plötzlich' means 'sudden' or 'suddenly' in English. It is used to describe an unexpected or abrupt occurrence.

Example Sentences:

  • Plötzlich sieht Max eine Katze. - Suddenly Max sees a cat.

💡 Silly memory trick! 'Plötzlich' sounds like 'plot twist.' This association can help you remember that it describes a sudden or unexpected event.

German Challenges

Intermediate

Which preposition correctly pairs with the verb "liegen" in this sentence?

Das Buch liegt auf dem Tisch

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The correct preposition to use with "liegen" is "auf", making the expression "liegen auf". The sentence "Das Buch liegt auf dem Tisch" means "The book is on the table". Did you know? Prepositions in German can change the case of the noun that follows them. In the case of "liegen auf", the preposition "auf" requires the noun to be in the dative case.
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Intermediate

Which preposition correctly pairs with the verb 'achten' to mean 'to pay attention to'?

Wir achten auf die Details

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The correct preposition to use with 'achten' to convey the meaning of 'to pay attention to' is 'auf', forming the phrase 'achten auf'. The sentence 'Wir achten auf die Details' translates to 'We pay attention to the details.' The other prepositions cannot be used to express the concept of paying attention to something. Fun Fact: 'Achten auf' requires the accusative case.
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Beginner

Conjugate the modal verb "mögen" to fit the sentence

Du magst Schokoladeneis.

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In German, the verb "mögen" (to like) in the second person singular (informal) form is "magst." Therefore, the correct translation of "You like chocolate ice cream" into German is "Du magst Schokoladeneis."
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Intermediate

Which auxiliary verb correctly completes the sentence to fit the context given?

Ich bin nach Hause gelaufen.

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'Laufen' is an action verb that indicates movement, thus it generally requires 'sein' as the auxiliary verb when forming the past tense. So, the correct sentence would be 'Ich bin nach Hause gelaufen', which means 'I ran home'. 'Haben' would generally be incorrect in this context. Understanding the appropriate application of 'haben' and 'sein' with different verbs is fundamental in constructing accurate sentences in the German language.
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Beginner

Which coordinating conjunction fits best in this sentence?

Ich konnte nicht schlafen, denn ich hatte viel Kaffee getrunken.

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The coordinating conjunction 'denn' is used to give an explanation or reason for a stated fact or action. Therefore, in this context 'denn' is the best fit as it explains why the person couldn't sleep (because they had a lot of coffee).
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Beginner

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the definite article "the" in the accusative case for a Neuter noun.

Kannst du das Buch sehen?

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The word "Buch" is a neuter noun. In German, "Buch" remains "das Buch" even in the accusative case. Therefore, the correct sentence is "Kannst du das Buch sehen?" which translates to "Can you see the book?" in English.
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Beginner

Conjugate the modal verb "müssen" to fit the sentence

Wir müssen früh aufstehen.

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The correct form for 'müssen' in the first person plural is 'müssen'. The full translation is "We have to (must) wake up early".
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Beginner

What is the correct form of the definite article "the" in the dative case for a Neuter noun.

Ich gebe dem Kind das Spielzeug.

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The sentence "Ich gebe _________ Kind das Spielzeug" uses the dative case to indicate that "Kind" is the indirect object of the verb "geben" (to give). The correct definite article for neuter nouns in the dative case is "dem," so the sentence reads "Ich gebe dem Kind das Spielzeug," translating to "I give the toy to the child" in English.
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Intermediate

Which auxiliary verb correctly completes the sentence to fit the context given?

Mein Bruder ist gestern schwimmen gegangen.

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Since 'schwimmen' can imply motion when combined with 'gehen,' 'sein' is used as the auxiliary verb in 'Mein Bruder ist gestern schwimmen gegangen,' translating to 'My brother went swimming yesterday.' This usage of 'sein' is due to the motion indicated by 'gegangen.' Understanding when to use 'haben' or 'sein' with verbs like 'schwimmen' in different contexts is key for German fluency.
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Intermediate

Which preposition correctly pairs with the verb "denken" to mean "to think of"?

Ich denke an dich.

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The correct preposition to use with "denken" to convey the meaning of "to think of" is "an", forming the phrase "denken an". The sentence "Ich denke an dich" translates to "I am thinking of you." The other prepositions are not used to express the concept of thinking of someone or something. Fun Fact: "Denken an" requires the accusative case, as it typically involves a direct object – the thing or person being thought of.
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