In 15 Seconds
- To rush or hurry with a specific purpose or destination.
- Used for both people rushing and tasks being urgent.
- A key word for navigating German punctuality and deadlines.
Meaning
To move with great speed or urgency because you are short on time. It is used when you are rushing to a destination or when a task needs immediate attention.
Key Examples
3 of 6Running to catch a train
Ich muss zum Bahnsteig eilen, der Zug fährt gleich ab!
I have to rush to the platform, the train is leaving soon!
A business deadline
Die Erledigung dieses Auftrags eilt sehr.
The completion of this order is very urgent.
Texting a friend you are late for
Keine Sorge, ich eile schon!
Don't worry, I'm already rushing!
Cultural Background
The phrase 'Eile mit Weile' is one of the most famous German proverbs. It reflects the cultural value of 'Gründlichkeit' (thoroughness) over speed. Even if you are in a hurry, you should take the time to do things correctly. In Switzerland, punctuality is even more strictly observed. 'Eilen' is often seen as a failure of planning. If you have to 'eilen' to a meeting, it implies you didn't leave early enough, which can be seen as slightly unprofessional. The term 'Eilmeldung' is the standard for 'Breaking News' on all major German news outlets like Tagesschau or ZDF. It creates a sense of immediate national importance. Using 'Es eilt' in a German office is a direct but polite way to set a deadline. It is less aggressive than saying 'Machen Sie das sofort!' (Do this immediately!).
Use 'Es eilt' in Emails
If you need a quick answer from a German colleague, put 'Eilt' or 'Eilt sehr' in the subject line. It's a professional way to flag urgency.
Auxiliary Verb
Never say 'Ich habe geeilt'. Always use 'Ich bin geeilt'. This is a classic exam trap!
In 15 Seconds
- To rush or hurry with a specific purpose or destination.
- Used for both people rushing and tasks being urgent.
- A key word for navigating German punctuality and deadlines.
What It Means
Eilen is about more than just speed. It is about the pressure of time. Imagine you are late for a wedding. You are not just walking. You are eilen. It sounds a bit more sophisticated than laufen. It suggests a specific destination and a deadline. It is the feeling of the clock ticking in your head.
How To Use It
You can use it for yourself. Ich eile zum Bus. I am rushing to the bus. You can also use it for situations. Die Entscheidung eilt. The decision is urgent. This is a very common way to use it. It makes the 'thing' the subject. It is very effective in business. You can also use the adjective form eilig. Saying Ich habe es eilig is the standard way to say 'I am in a hurry.'
When To Use It
Use it when you are under pressure. Use it at work for urgent tasks. It is perfect for professional contexts. Use it when texting a friend you are meeting. Ich eile! tells them you are on your way. It shows you value their time. Use it when you see someone else rushing through a crowd. It fits perfectly at train stations or airports.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for sports. If you are running a marathon, use rennen. Eilen is for purposeful, urgent movement. Avoid it in very casual slang with teenagers. They might just say Ich mach schnell. Eilen can sound a bit 'old school' or dramatic. Don't use it for a relaxed evening stroll. That is a Spaziergang.
Cultural Background
German culture values efficiency and time management. Being late is often seen as disrespectful. Eile is a concept deeply rooted in the work ethic. But there is a balance. The proverb Eile mit Weile is very German. It suggests that even in a rush, quality matters. Don't be sloppy just because you are fast. It reflects the desire for precision even under pressure.
Common Variations
Sich beeilen is the most common reflexive version. Ich beeile mich. This is what you say daily. Eilig is the adjective. Ein eiliger Brief is an urgent letter. Eiltempo is a great word for 'breakneck speed.' You might also hear Eilsendung for express mail. These all stem from the same root of urgency.
Usage Notes
Use 'eilen' for a more elevated or professional tone. For everyday 'hurry up' commands to friends, stick with 'Beeil dich!'.
Use 'Es eilt' in Emails
If you need a quick answer from a German colleague, put 'Eilt' or 'Eilt sehr' in the subject line. It's a professional way to flag urgency.
Auxiliary Verb
Never say 'Ich habe geeilt'. Always use 'Ich bin geeilt'. This is a classic exam trap!
Eile mit Weile
Use this proverb when a friend is rushing and making mistakes. It makes you sound very native!
Examples
6Ich muss zum Bahnsteig eilen, der Zug fährt gleich ab!
I have to rush to the platform, the train is leaving soon!
Uses the verb to describe physical rushing.
Die Erledigung dieses Auftrags eilt sehr.
The completion of this order is very urgent.
Formal use where the 'task' is the subject.
Keine Sorge, ich eile schon!
Don't worry, I'm already rushing!
A friendly way to show you are making an effort.
Die Schnecke eilt im Schneckentempo nach Hause.
The snail is rushing home at a snail's pace.
Ironical use of the word for something slow.
Der Arzt eilte sofort in den Operationssaal.
The doctor rushed immediately into the operating room.
Conveys a sense of gravity and importance.
Eilt es sehr, oder kann ich das morgen machen?
Is it very urgent, or can I do it tomorrow?
Common workplace question.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'eilen' and the auxiliary verb.
Gestern ______ ich zum Bahnhof ______, weil ich spät dran war.
'Eilen' takes 'sein' (bin) and the past participle is 'geeilt'.
Which sentence is correct for a professional email?
You want to say that a task is urgent.
'Es eilt' or '[Subject] eilt' is the standard way to express urgency.
Match the German phrase with its English equivalent.
Phrases: 1. Es eilt nicht. 2. Ich eile zur Hilfe. 3. Eine Eilmeldung. 4. Eile mit Weile.
These are the most common idiomatic uses of the root 'eilen'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kommst du noch mit einen Kaffee trinken? B: Nein, leider nicht. Ich ______ ______ ______ Termin.
'Eilen zu' is the correct construction for rushing to an appointment.
In which situation would you use 'Es eilt'?
Situations: A. You are eating a slow dinner. B. You need a document signed by 5 PM. C. You are watching a movie. D. You are sleeping.
'Es eilt' is used for time-sensitive tasks.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Eilen vs. Sich Beeilen
Practice Bank
5 exercisesGestern ______ ich zum Bahnhof ______, weil ich spät dran war.
'Eilen' takes 'sein' (bin) and the past participle is 'geeilt'.
You want to say that a task is urgent.
'Es eilt' or '[Subject] eilt' is the standard way to express urgency.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the most common idiomatic uses of the root 'eilen'.
A: Kommst du noch mit einen Kaffee trinken? B: Nein, leider nicht. Ich ______ ______ ______ Termin.
'Eilen zu' is the correct construction for rushing to an appointment.
Situations: A. You are eating a slow dinner. B. You need a document signed by 5 PM. C. You are watching a movie. D. You are sleeping.
'Es eilt' is used for time-sensitive tasks.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo. 'Rennen' is the physical act of running fast. 'Eilen' means you are in a hurry to get somewhere. You can 'eilen' by walking fast, you don't have to run.
No, 'eilen' is not reflexive. Use 'Ich beeile mich' or simply 'Ich eile'.
Use it when a task, a decision, or a situation is urgent and needs immediate attention.
It's an old term for an express train. Today, you mostly see it in historical contexts or model train hobbies.
Yes, it is slightly more formal than 'sich beeilen'. It's perfect for work or writing.
Yes, in modern German, when used to mean rushing to a place, it always takes 'sein'.
The opposite would be 'trödeln' (to dawdle) or 'sich Zeit lassen' (to take one's time).
Yes! 'Die Zeit eilt' (Time flies/rushes) or 'Die Sache eilt' (The matter is urgent).
It is the German word for 'Breaking News'.
Yes, it is standard German and used in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Related Phrases
sich beeilen
similarTo hurry up (reflexive)
hasten
synonymTo haste
rennen
similarTo run
Eile mit Weile
specialized formHaste makes waste
herbeieilen
builds onTo rush to the scene
Eilmeldung
specialized formBreaking news
