Esta página no seu idioma

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

中文

हिन्दी

A1 noun #1,000 mais comum 13 min de leitura

Sekunde

Top 1,000

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas Sekunde em 30 segundos

Explicação Sekunde in your Level:

At the A1 level, your primary goal is to learn the basic vocabulary necessary for survival and simple daily interactions in a German-speaking environment. The word Sekunde is one of these essential building blocks. At this stage, you need to know that Sekunde means second, as in the unit of time. You must memorize that it is a feminine noun, which means it uses the article die (die Sekunde). You also need to learn its plural form, which is die Sekunden. The most important practical application of this word for an A1 learner is asking someone to wait. You will frequently hear and use the phrase 'Eine Sekunde, bitte', which translates to 'One second, please'. This is incredibly useful when you are looking for your wallet at the checkout counter, trying to find the right word in a conversation, or asking someone to hold the door. Another key concept at this level is combining Sekunde with basic numbers. You should practice saying phrases like 'fünf Sekunden' (five seconds) or 'zehn Sekunden' (ten seconds). You will also encounter this word when learning how to tell time, although 'Uhr' and 'Minute' are more common for basic clock reading. Understanding the literal meaning of Sekunde helps you grasp the structure of time in German. It is the smallest common unit you will use. While you don't need to worry about complex grammar rules or abstract idioms just yet, recognizing the word when spoken quickly by native speakers is a crucial listening skill. When a cashier says 'Sekunde', they are just asking for a brief pause. Mastering this simple noun and its basic plural form gives you a valuable tool for managing the pace of your interactions as you navigate your new language.

As you progress to the A2 level, your understanding and usage of the word Sekunde must expand beyond simple, isolated phrases. You are now expected to integrate this noun into complete sentences and begin using it with basic prepositions. This is where the concept of grammatical cases becomes important. You need to learn how to say that something will happen in the future using the preposition 'in'. Because 'in' requires the dative case when referring to time, you must learn the phrase 'in einer Sekunde' (in a second). This is a massive step forward in your conversational ability. You can now say things like 'Ich komme in einer Sekunde' (I am coming in a second) or 'Das Essen ist in zehn Sekunden fertig' (The food is ready in ten seconds). You also need to learn how to express duration using the preposition 'für', which takes the accusative case. For example, 'Kannst du das für eine Sekunde halten?' (Can you hold this for a second?). At the A2 level, you should also start recognizing the word in slightly more complex contexts, such as simple instructions or descriptions of daily routines. You might read a recipe that says '30 Sekunden kochen' (boil for 30 seconds). Furthermore, you should begin to understand that Sekunde is often used figuratively to mean a very short time, not necessarily exactly one sixtieth of a minute. When a friend says 'Warte eine Sekunde', they might actually mean a minute or two. Recognizing this pragmatic use of the word helps you understand the natural flow of German conversation and prevents you from taking everything too literally. Practicing these prepositional phrases will solidify your grasp of German sentence structure.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

Reaching the B1 level means you are becoming an independent user of the German language. Your use of the word Sekunde should reflect this growing confidence and ability to handle more complex narratives and descriptions. At this stage, you are expected to tell stories, recount past events, and express opinions. Therefore, you need to know how to use Sekunde in the past tense. You should be comfortable using the preposition 'vor' (ago), which requires the dative case. You can now say 'Er war vor einer Sekunde noch hier' (He was here a second ago). You should also be able to describe the duration of events in the past, such as 'Es dauerte nur wenige Sekunden' (It only took a few seconds). At the B1 level, you will also start encountering compound words that include Sekunde. German is famous for its compound nouns, and understanding how they work is crucial. Words like 'Sekundenzeiger' (second hand on a clock) or 'Sekundentakt' (second-by-second rhythm) will appear in texts and conversations. You should be able to deduce the meaning of these words based on your knowledge of the root word Sekunde. Additionally, you will begin to understand more nuanced expressions of time and urgency. You might hear phrases emphasizing exactness, such as 'auf die Sekunde genau' (exactly to the second), which is very common when discussing train schedules or appointments. You should also be able to contrast Sekunde with other time-related words like 'Moment' or 'Augenblick' to add variety to your speech. By mastering these intermediate applications, you demonstrate a solid command of German grammar and a deeper understanding of how native speakers express the passage of time.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

At the B2 level, you are striving for fluency and the ability to communicate spontaneously and precisely. Your use of the word Sekunde must move beyond basic time-telling and enter the realm of abstract concepts, professional environments, and idiomatic expressions. You should be completely comfortable with all grammatical cases associated with the word and use them flawlessly without hesitation. At this level, you will encounter Sekunde in more sophisticated contexts, such as news reports, scientific discussions, or business meetings. You need to understand and use advanced compound words and adjectives derived from Sekunde. For example, the adjective 'sekundenschnell' (lightning fast / in a matter of seconds) is highly useful for describing rapid processes or reactions. You might say, 'Die Entscheidung wurde sekundenschnell getroffen' (The decision was made in a matter of seconds). You will also engage with idiomatic phrases that use the concept of a second to convey deeper meanings. Phrases like 'in letzter Sekunde' (at the last second / in the nick of time) are essential for adding drama and precision to your storytelling. You should be able to comprehend complex sentences where Sekunde is used to emphasize a critical turning point, such as 'In der Sekunde, als er den Raum betrat, wurde es still' (The second he entered the room, it became quiet). Furthermore, you should be able to discuss the psychological perception of time, explaining how a single Sekunde can feel like an eternity in stressful situations. Your vocabulary should be rich enough to use synonyms like 'Bruchteil einer Sekunde' (fraction of a second) to express extreme brevity. Mastering these advanced uses demonstrates a high level of linguistic competence and cultural understanding.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

Achieving the C1 level signifies advanced, near-native proficiency. At this stage, your interaction with the word Sekunde involves understanding its most subtle nuances, its use in literature, and its role in highly complex syntactic structures. You are expected to comprehend implicit meanings and use the language flexibly for social, academic, and professional purposes. You will encounter Sekunde in demanding texts, such as philosophical essays on the nature of time, detailed technical manuals, or sophisticated literary works. You must be able to grasp the stylistic choices authors make when they use Sekunde instead of 'Augenblick' or 'Moment'. In spoken German, you should effortlessly use and understand highly idiomatic and colloquial expressions. For instance, the phrase 'keine Sekunde zögern' (to not hesitate for a second) should be a natural part of your active vocabulary. You should also be familiar with expressions that convey extreme impatience or urgency, such as 'jede verdammte Sekunde' (every damn second), understanding the register and appropriate context for such language. At the C1 level, you can manipulate sentence structures to place emphasis on the word Sekunde for rhetorical effect. You might use inversion or complex subordinate clauses, such as 'Dass es auf jede einzelne Sekunde ankommen würde, war ihm nicht bewusst' (He was not aware that every single second would matter). Furthermore, you should be able to discuss the etymology of the word and its historical context, recognizing its Latin roots and how the measurement of time has evolved. Your command of the word is no longer just about knowing its translation, but about wielding it as a precise tool for sophisticated communication and nuanced expression.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

The C2 level represents mastery of the German language, equivalent to that of an educated native speaker. At this pinnacle of language learning, your understanding of the word Sekunde is absolute, encompassing all its literal, figurative, scientific, literary, and cultural dimensions. You can effortlessly navigate the most complex and abstract texts where time is a central theme. You understand the philosophical implications of a Sekunde in discussions about quantum physics or existential literature. You are capable of analyzing how poets use the fleeting nature of a Sekunde to evoke emotions of loss, urgency, or beauty. Your active vocabulary includes the most obscure and specialized compound words, and you can create your own compounds naturally and correctly according to German morphological rules. You use idiomatic expressions with perfect timing and appropriate register, seamlessly blending them into academic discourse or high-level professional negotiations. You can critically evaluate the cultural significance of the Sekunde in the context of German punctuality and efficiency, comparing it to different cultural perceptions of time. You recognize regional variations in how the word might be pronounced or used colloquially across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. At the C2 level, you do not just use the word Sekunde; you understand its weight, its history, and its power to shape narrative and convey the most precise increments of human experience. You can play with the word, use it ironically, or employ it in complex wordplay, demonstrating a profound and intuitive mastery of the German language in all its depth and complexity.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

Sekunde em 30 segundos

A unit of time equal to 1/60th of a minute.
Used to ask someone to wait a very short time.
A feminine noun in German (die Sekunde).
Plural form adds an -n (die Sekunden).

The German word Sekunde is a fundamental unit of time that translates directly to the English word second. In the context of language learning, understanding how to use this word is absolutely essential because it appears constantly in everyday conversations, professional environments, and various forms of media. The concept of time is deeply ingrained in German culture, which is famous worldwide for its emphasis on punctuality, efficiency, and precise scheduling. Therefore, mastering the vocabulary related to time, starting with the smallest common unit, the Sekunde, is a crucial step for any language learner aiming to achieve fluency. When people use the word Sekunde, they are often referring to the literal scientific measurement of time, which is one sixtieth of a minute. However, in daily life, the word takes on a much more flexible and pragmatic role. It is frequently used to express a very short, almost immeasurable amount of time, similar to how English speakers might say just a second or give me a sec.

Warten Sie bitte eine Sekunde.

This flexibility makes it an incredibly versatile noun. You will hear it when someone is asking you to wait, when someone is emphasizing how quickly something happened, or when someone is expressing impatience.

Literal Use: Used in sports, science, and exact timekeeping to denote exactly 1/60th of a minute.

Beyond the literal measurement, the psychological perception of a Sekunde can vary greatly depending on the context. If you are waiting for a train in the freezing cold, a single Sekunde can feel like an eternity. Conversely, if you are rushing to finish an exam, the Sekunden seem to slip away faster than you can count them.

Das ging in einer Sekunde vorbei.

In German, this emotional weight of time is often captured in idioms and common phrases. For instance, the phrase in Sekundenschnelle translates to in a matter of seconds or lightning fast, emphasizing extreme speed.

Figurative Use: Used to describe a very brief moment, not necessarily exactly one second long.

Furthermore, the word is indispensable when discussing schedules and public transportation. In Germany, trains and buses are expected to run on time, often down to the exact Sekunde. If a train is delayed by even a few minutes, it is considered late, and the announcements will often specify the delay with precision.

Der Zug hat keine Sekunde Verspätung.

This cultural expectation of exactness means that learners must be comfortable using time-related vocabulary accurately. You will also encounter the word in sports commentary, where races are won or lost by fractions of a Sekunde. In cooking, recipes might require you to boil something for exactly thirty Sekunden.

Kochen Sie das Wasser für sechzig Sekunden.

Compound Words: Sekunde is often combined with other words, like Sekundenzeiger (second hand on a clock).

In social situations, if someone knocks on your door while you are getting dressed, you would shout einen Moment or eine Sekunde to let them know you need a brief amount of time before you can attend to them.

Ich bin in einer Sekunde bei dir.

The ubiquity of this word makes it one of the first nouns you should memorize. It bridges the gap between basic counting and more complex expressions of time, duration, and urgency. Whether you are reading a scientific paper, watching a thrilling action movie, or simply asking a friend to hold your coffee, the word Sekunde will inevitably make an appearance. Understanding its literal meaning, its figurative nuances, and its cultural implications will significantly enhance your ability to communicate naturally and effectively in German.

Using the word Sekunde correctly in German sentences requires a solid understanding of its grammatical properties, particularly its gender, its pluralization, and how it interacts with various prepositions and cases. Because Sekunde is a feminine noun, its definite article in the nominative case is die, and its indefinite article is eine. This is the foundational knowledge you need before you can start building more complex sentences. When you want to say one second, you say eine Sekunde.

Das ist nur eine Sekunde.

If you are talking about multiple seconds, you must use the plural form, which is created by adding an -n to the end of the word, resulting in die Sekunden. For example, to say five seconds, you would say fünf Sekunden.

Nominative Case: Used when Sekunde is the subject of the sentence. Example: Die Sekunde vergeht schnell.

One of the most common ways to use Sekunde is with the preposition in to indicate that something will happen after a certain amount of time has passed. Because the preposition in requires the dative case when referring to a point in time, the feminine article eine changes to einer. Therefore, in a second translates to in einer Sekunde.

Ich komme in einer Sekunde zurück.

This is an extremely frequent pattern that you will use constantly when asking people to wait or when promising to do something immediately. If you want to say that something happened a second ago, you use the preposition vor, which also takes the dative case. Thus, a second ago becomes vor einer Sekunde.

Dative Case: Crucial for time expressions with in and vor. Remember the change from eine to einer.

Another important preposition is für, which is used to indicate duration and requires the accusative case. Since the accusative form of the feminine article remains eine, for a second translates to für eine Sekunde.

Kannst du das für eine Sekunde halten?

You can also use Sekunde as a direct object in the accusative case without a preposition, such as when you are counting or measuring time directly. For example, if you say it takes a second, you would say es dauert eine Sekunde.

Jede Sekunde zählt in diesem Spiel.

Accusative Case: Used for direct objects and with prepositions like für. The article remains eine.

Furthermore, Sekunde is frequently used in compound words, which are a hallmark of the German language. Words like Sekundenzeiger (second hand), Sekundenschlaf (microsleep), and Sekundentakt (second-by-second rhythm) are common. When using these compound words, the gender of the entire word is determined by the final noun in the compound. For instance, der Zeiger is masculine, so der Sekundenzeiger is also masculine, even though Sekunde is feminine.

Der Sekundenzeiger bewegt sich schnell.

Mastering these grammatical rules and sentence structures will allow you to use the word Sekunde with confidence and precision, reflecting the exactness that the word itself represents.

The word Sekunde is ubiquitous in the German-speaking world, echoing through train stations, sports arenas, kitchens, and casual conversations alike. Its presence is so pervasive that a language learner will encounter it almost immediately upon arriving in Germany, Austria, or Switzerland. One of the most common places you will hear this word is in the context of public transportation. German train stations are famous for their precise schedules, and announcements frequently mention time down to the minute, and sometimes, figuratively, to the Sekunde.

Der Zug fährt auf die Sekunde genau ab.

If you are rushing to catch a tram, you might hear someone yell that you only have a few Sekunden left before the doors close.

Public Transport: Used to emphasize punctuality and exact departure times.

Another major domain where Sekunde dominates is the world of sports. Whether you are watching a football match, a Formula 1 race, or the Olympics on German television, the commentators will constantly refer to Sekunden. In racing, victories are often decided by fractions of a second, leading to phrases like Hundertstelsekunde (hundredth of a second).

Er war eine Sekunde schneller als der Zweite.

The tension of a ticking clock in a basketball game or the final moments of a soccer match will always be described using this word.

Sports Commentary: Crucial for describing race times, remaining match time, and records.

In the workplace, especially in fast-paced environments like kitchens or emergency rooms, the word is used to convey urgency. A chef might demand a dish in thirty Sekunden, or a doctor might note the exact Sekunde a procedure was completed.

Wir haben keine Sekunde zu verlieren.

However, the most frequent usage is undoubtedly in casual, everyday interactions. When you call a customer service hotline, the automated voice might tell you to hold for a few Sekunden. When you ask a stranger for directions, they might pause for a Sekunde to think.

Geben Sie mir bitte eine Sekunde.

If you are interrupting a friend who is working, they might hold up a finger and say Sekunde!, which is a highly colloquial and shortened way of saying wait a second.

Everyday Conversation: Used as a filler, a request for patience, or to indicate a brief pause.

You will also encounter it in literature and media, where authors and directors use the concept of a second to build suspense or describe a fleeting emotion. A character might fall in love in a single Sekunde, or a bomb might be defused with only one Sekunde left on the timer.

In dieser Sekunde wusste er die Wahrheit.

By paying attention to these different contexts, you will quickly realize that Sekunde is not just a unit of measurement, but a vital tool for expressing urgency, precision, and the flow of time in the German language.

When learning the German word Sekunde, English speakers often fall into several predictable traps, primarily related to gender, pluralization, and the tricky rules of German prepositions. The most fundamental mistake is forgetting the gender of the noun. Because the English word second has no gender, learners often guess the article in German, leading to errors like saying der Sekunde or das Sekunde. It is imperative to memorize that Sekunde is a feminine noun, so it must always be paired with the feminine article die in the nominative case.

Falsch: Ein Sekunde bitte. Richtig: Eine Sekunde bitte.

Gender Error: Using the wrong article (der/das instead of die) is the most common beginner mistake.

Another frequent error occurs when forming the plural. English speakers naturally want to add an -s to make words plural, which might lead to the incorrect form Sekundes. In German, the plural of Sekunde is formed by adding an -n, resulting in Sekunden.

Falsch: Zwei Sekundes. Richtig: Zwei Sekunden.

This is a crucial distinction, especially since you will often be talking about multiple seconds when measuring time.

Plural Error: Adding an -s instead of an -n to form the plural.

The most complex mistakes, however, arise from the use of prepositions and the resulting case changes. A classic error is translating the English phrase in a second directly without adjusting for the dative case. Learners might say in eine Sekunde, which is grammatically incorrect because the preposition in, when used for a point in time, requires the dative case. The correct phrase is in einer Sekunde.

Falsch: Ich komme in eine Sekunde. Richtig: Ich komme in einer Sekunde.

Similarly, when saying for a second, learners might mistakenly use the dative case instead of the accusative, saying für einer Sekunde instead of the correct für eine Sekunde.

Falsch: Warte für einer Sekunde. Richtig: Warte für eine Sekunde.

Preposition Error: Failing to change the article according to the case required by the preposition (e.g., in vs. für).

Finally, there is a tendency to confuse Sekunde with other words related to time or order. In English, second can be a noun (unit of time) or an adjective (number two in a sequence). In German, the unit of time is die Sekunde, but the adjective for the number two position is zweite. A learner might incorrectly say Ich bin der Sekunde in der Schlange (I am the second in line) instead of the correct Ich bin der Zweite in der Schlange.

Falsch: Das ist mein Sekunde Versuch. Richtig: Das ist mein zweiter Versuch.

By being aware of these common pitfalls—gender, pluralization, case declension with prepositions, and distinguishing between the noun and the ordinal number—you can significantly improve your accuracy and sound much more natural when speaking German.

While Sekunde is the precise scientific term for a specific unit of time, the German language offers a rich variety of synonyms and alternative expressions that convey similar meanings, often with subtle differences in nuance, register, or exactness. Understanding these alternatives is crucial for expanding your vocabulary and expressing yourself more naturally in different contexts. The most common alternative when you want to ask someone to wait briefly is der Moment. Just like in English, saying einen Moment, bitte is slightly less literal and often sounds a bit more polite or formal than asking for eine Sekunde.

Warten Sie bitte einen Moment.

Der Moment: A very common, slightly more polite alternative to Sekunde when asking for a brief pause.

Another highly poetic and beautiful alternative is der Augenblick, which literally translates to the blink of an eye. This word is used to describe a very short, fleeting amount of time, often with a slightly more emotional or literary undertone than Sekunde. You might use Augenblick when describing a sudden realization or a beautiful, transient experience.

In diesem Augenblick verstand ich alles.

Der Augenblick: Literary and evocative, meaning 'blink of an eye'. Great for storytelling.

If you want to express that something happens incredibly fast, almost instantaneously, you can use the phrase im Nu. This is an idiom that means in a flash or in no time. It is less about a specific measurement of time and more about the perception of extreme speed.

Das Problem war im Nu gelöst.

On the other hand, if you need to refer to a slightly longer period of time, you would step up to the next unit of measurement, die Minute. While a Sekunde is 1/60th of a minute, people often use Minute colloquially to mean a short while, just as they do in English.

Ich brauche noch eine Minute.

Die Minute: The next logical step up in time measurement. Often used interchangeably with Sekunde in casual speech when exactness doesn't matter.

Finally, for a vague, unspecified short amount of time, you can use die Weile, often in the diminutive form das Weilchen. This translates roughly to a little while. It implies a longer wait than a Sekunde or a Moment, but still a relatively short duration.

Es dauerte ein Weilchen, bis er antwortete.

By mastering these alternatives—Moment, Augenblick, im Nu, Minute, and Weilchen—you can tailor your speech to the exact situation, whether you need to be precise, polite, poetic, or casual, thereby demonstrating a deeper command of the German language beyond just the basic vocabulary.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

Before mechanical clocks became accurate enough to measure seconds, the word was mostly used by astronomers. It wasn't until the invention of the pendulum clock in the 17th century that 'Sekunde' became a relevant concept for everyday people.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /zeˈkʊndə/

US /zeˈkʊndə/

se-KUN-de

Rima com

Runde Kunde Hunde Wunde Munde Stunde Bunde Funde

Erros comuns

Pronouncing the initial 's' as a hard 's' instead of a 'z'.
Stressing the first syllable instead of the second.
Pronouncing the final 'e' as a hard 'ay' or 'ee' instead of a soft schwa.
Making the 'u' sound too long, like 'oo' in 'moon'.
Dropping the final 'e' completely.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 1/5

Very easy to recognize because it looks and means almost exactly the same as the English word.

Escrita 2/5

Easy to spell, but learners must remember to capitalize the 'S' as it is a noun.

Expressão oral 2/5

Pronunciation of the initial 'z' sound and the final schwa 'e' requires a bit of practice.

Audição 2/5

Often spoken very quickly in phrases like 'ne Sekunde', which can be hard to catch.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

die Zeit die Uhr warten eins zwei

Aprenda a seguir

die Minute die Stunde der Moment pünktlich spät

Avançado

die Ewigkeit der Bruchteil verzögern simultan synchronisieren

Gramática essencial

Feminine Noun Declension

Nominative: die Sekunde, Accusative: die Sekunde, Dative: der Sekunde, Genitive: der Sekunde.

Prepositions with Dative (Time)

in einer Sekunde (in a second), vor einer Sekunde (a second ago).

Prepositions with Accusative (Duration)

für eine Sekunde (for a second).

Plural Formation of Nouns ending in -e

Add -n to form the plural: die Sekunde -> die Sekunden.

Noun Capitalization

All nouns in German are capitalized, so it is always 'Sekunde', never 'sekunde'.

Cadastre-se grátis para ler a explicação completa

Exemplos por nível

Eine Sekunde, bitte.

One second, please.

Basic use of the feminine article 'eine' in the nominative case.

Das ist eine Sekunde.

That is one second.

Simple identification using the verb 'sein' (to be).

Ich warte eine Sekunde.

I wait one second.

Direct object in the accusative case, article remains 'eine'.

Zwei Sekunden, bitte.

Two seconds, please.

Introduction of the plural form 'Sekunden' with a number.

Die Sekunde ist kurz.

The second is short.

Using the definite article 'die' with an adjective.

Er hat fünf Sekunden.

He has five seconds.

Plural noun used as the object of the verb 'haben'.

Zehn Sekunden noch.

Ten seconds left.

Common phrase using plural and the adverb 'noch'.

Was ist eine Sekunde?

What is a second?

Forming a simple question with the interrogative 'was'.

Ich komme in einer Sekunde.

I am coming in a second.

Preposition 'in' requiring the dative case ('einer').

Warte für eine Sekunde hier.

Wait here for a second.

Preposition 'für' requiring the accusative case ('eine').

Das dauert nur zehn Sekunden.

That only takes ten seconds.

Using the verb 'dauern' (to last/take) with a plural time expression.

Er war vor einer Sekunde da.

He was there a second ago.

Preposition 'vor' (ago) requiring the dative case.

Kochen Sie das für 30 Sekunden.

Boil this for 30 seconds.

Imperative form used with a specific time duration.

Ich brauche noch eine Sekunde.

I still need a second.

Using 'brauchen' (to need) with 'noch' (still/more).

Jede Sekunde ist wichtig.

Every second is important.

Using the pronoun 'jede' (every) which agrees with the feminine noun.

Wir haben keine Sekunde Zeit.

We don't have a second of time.

Using the negative article 'keine' in the accusative case.

Es geschah in einem Bruchteil einer Sekunde.

It happened in a fraction of a second.

Genitive case used to show possession: 'einer Sekunde' (of a second).

Der Zug war auf die Sekunde pünktlich.

The train was punctual to the second.

Idiomatic expression 'auf die Sekunde' meaning exactly on time.

Ich habe nicht eine Sekunde gezögert.

I didn't hesitate for a second.

Using the noun to emphasize the lack of hesitation in the past perfect tense.

In der nächsten Sekunde ging das Licht aus.

In the next second, the light went out.

Dative case with an adjective: 'in der nächsten Sekunde'.

Sie schaute jede Sekunde auf ihre Uhr.

She looked at her watch every second.

Accusative case used for definite time expressions without a preposition.

Der Sekundenzeiger bewegt sich ohne Pause.

The second hand moves without pausing.

Introduction of a common compound noun 'Sekundenzeiger'.

Wir müssen jede Sekunde nutzen.

We must use every second.

Modal verb 'müssen' with 'jede Sekunde' as the direct object.

Es fühlte sich an wie Stunden, aber es waren nur Sekunden.

It felt like hours, but it was only seconds.

Contrasting plural time units to express subjective perception of time.

Die Rettungskräfte waren in Sekundenschnelle vor Ort.

The rescue workers were on site in a matter of seconds.

Use of the advanced compound noun 'Sekundenschnelle' with the preposition 'in'.

In letzter Sekunde konnte er den Unfall verhindern.

At the last second, he was able to prevent the accident.

Common idiom 'in letzter Sekunde' used in a complex sentence with a modal verb.

Das System aktualisiert die Daten im Sekundentakt.

The system updates the data every second.

Use of the compound noun 'Sekundentakt' to describe frequency.

Ich bereue keine einzige Sekunde meiner Entscheidung.

I don't regret a single second of my decision.

Emphasis using 'keine einzige' (not a single) in the accusative case.

In der Sekunde, als er das sagte, wusste ich es.

The second he said that, I knew it.

Using 'In der Sekunde, als...' to introduce a temporal subordinate clause.

Er fiel in einen tiefen Sekundenschlaf am Steuer.

He fell into a deep microsleep at the wheel.

Use of the specific medical/legal compound noun 'Sekundenschlaf'.

Jede verstreichende Sekunde erhöhte den Druck.

Every passing second increased the pressure.

Using a present participle 'verstreichende' as an adjective.

Der Athlet verbesserte seinen Rekord um Hundertstelsekunden.

The athlete improved his record by hundredths of a second.

Use of fractional compound nouns 'Hundertstelsekunden' in a sports context.

Es kommt jetzt auf jede verdammte Sekunde an.

Every damn second counts right now.

Colloquial and emphatic use of an adjective ('verdammte') with the verb 'ankommen auf'.

Seine Stimmung kann sich im Bruchteil einer Sekunde ändern.

His mood can change in a split second.

Advanced phrasing 'im Bruchteil einer Sekunde' using dative and genitive cases.

Sie hat nicht eine Sekunde lang an ihm gezweifelt.

She didn't doubt him for a single second.

Use of 'lang' after the time expression to emphasize duration.

Die Bombe wurde buchstäblich in letzter Sekunde entschärft.

The bomb was defused literally at the last second.

Passive voice combined with the adverb 'buchstäblich' and a time idiom.

Er zählte die quälend langsamen Sekunden bis zum Feierabend.

He counted the agonizingly slow seconds until the end of the workday.

Use of multiple descriptive adjectives and adverbs modifying the plural noun.

Das Medikament wirkt fast sekundenschnell.

The medication works almost instantaneously.

Using the adjective 'sekundenschnell' as an adverb to describe the verb 'wirken'.

In dieser einen, entscheidenden Sekunde stand die Welt still.

In this one, decisive second, the world stood still.

Literary style using multiple adjectives in the dative case.

Die Aktienkurse schwanken im Sekundentakt.

Stock prices fluctuate by the second.

Professional/financial context using the compound 'Sekundentakt'.

Die Relativitätstheorie lehrt uns, dass eine Sekunde nicht absolut ist.

The theory of relativity teaches us that a second is not absolute.

Scientific and philosophical context using the noun as a subject in a subordinate clause.

Er klammerte sich an die Illusion, die Zeit für eine Sekunde anhalten zu können.

He clung to the illusion of being able to stop time for a second.

Complex sentence structure with an extended infinitive clause.

Jede verrinnende Sekunde war ein stummer Zeuge ihres Scheiterns.

Every slipping second was a silent witness to her failure.

Highly literary and poetic use of the present participle 'verrinnende'.

Die Entscheidung fiel in einer Millisekunde, doch die Konsequenzen dauerten ein Leben lang.

The decision was made in a millisecond, but the consequences lasted a lifetime.

Contrasting extreme micro-time ('Millisekunde') with macro-time ('Leben lang').

Es ist eine Frage der exakten Synchronisation, bis auf die letzte Mikrosekunde.

It is a matter of exact synchronization, down to the last microsecond.

Technical jargon using prefixes ('Mikro-') to denote extreme precision.

In der Literatur wird die Sekunde oft als Metapher für die Vergänglichkeit des Seins bemüht.

In literature, the second is often invoked as a metaphor for the transience of existence.

Academic discourse using passive voice and abstract philosophical concepts.

Sein Zögern währte nur den Bruchteil einer Sekunde, verriet ihn aber dennoch.

His hesitation lasted only a fraction of a second, but betrayed him nonetheless.

Sophisticated syntax using 'währen' (to last) and a concessive clause.

Die Hochfrequenzhandelsalgorithmen agieren in Zeiträumen von Nanosekunden.

High-frequency trading algorithms operate in timeframes of nanoseconds.

Highly specialized financial/technological vocabulary.

Colocações comuns

eine Sekunde warten

in einer Sekunde

jede Sekunde

auf die Sekunde genau

in letzter Sekunde

für eine Sekunde

Bruchteil einer Sekunde

Sekunde für Sekunde

keine Sekunde

die erste Sekunde

Frases Comuns

Sekunde mal!

— Wait a minute! / Hold on! Used to interrupt someone or express sudden realization.

Sekunde mal, das ergibt keinen Sinn.

Eine Sekunde, bitte.

— One second, please. The standard polite way to ask someone to wait.

Eine Sekunde, bitte, ich suche meinen Schlüssel.

Geben Sie mir eine Sekunde.

— Give me a second. Used when you need a brief moment to complete a task.

Geben Sie mir eine Sekunde, ich muss das aufschreiben.

Das dauert nur eine Sekunde.

— That only takes a second. Used to reassure someone that a task is very quick.

Keine Sorge, das dauert nur eine Sekunde.

In ein paar Sekunden.

— In a few seconds. Used to indicate that something will happen very shortly.

Das Programm startet in ein paar Sekunden.

Es ist eine Frage von Sekunden.

— It is a matter of seconds. Used to describe imminent events.

Es ist nur noch eine Frage von Sekunden, bis es explodiert.

Sekunden später...

— Seconds later... Often used in storytelling to show rapid progression.

Sekunden später hörten wir einen lauten Knall.

Nicht eine Sekunde länger.

— Not a second longer. Used to express extreme impatience or a strict deadline.

Ich warte nicht eine Sekunde länger auf dich.

Ab der ersten Sekunde.

— From the very first second. Used to describe immediate reactions or feelings.

Ab der ersten Sekunde wusste ich, dass das ein Fehler war.

Bis zur letzten Sekunde.

— Until the very last second. Used to describe perseverance or procrastination.

Er hat bis zur letzten Sekunde gewartet, um zu lernen.

Frequentemente confundido com

Sekunde vs der Zweite

English speakers confuse the unit of time (Sekunde) with the ordinal number (der Zweite = the second one).

Sekunde vs die Minute

Sometimes confused in high-stress situations when translating 'wait a minute' vs 'wait a second'.

Sekunde vs der Moment

Synonymous in usage, but 'Moment' is masculine (der) while 'Sekunde' is feminine (die).

Expressões idiomáticas

"in letzter Sekunde"

— At the last possible moment, just before it is too late. Equivalent to 'in the nick of time'.

Die Feuerwehr rettete ihn in letzter Sekunde.

Neutral

"auf die Sekunde genau"

— Extremely punctual, without any delay. Equivalent to 'on the dot'.

Der Bus kam auf die Sekunde genau.

Neutral

"in Sekundenschnelle"

— Extremely fast, almost instantaneously. Equivalent to 'in a flash'.

Das Feuer breitete sich in Sekundenschnelle aus.

Neutral

"keine Sekunde zögern"

— To act immediately without any doubt or delay. Equivalent to 'not hesitate for a second'.

Als er um Hilfe rief, zögerte sie keine Sekunde.

Neutral

"jede Sekunde zählt"

— Time is of the essence; there is no time to waste. Equivalent to 'every second counts'.

Bei einem Herzinfarkt zählt jede Sekunde.

Neutral

"im Sekundentakt"

— Happening very frequently, literally every second. Equivalent to 'by the second'.

Die Nachrichten kamen im Sekundentakt herein.

Neutral

"Sekundenkleber"

— Superglue. Literally 'second glue', because it dries in seconds.

Ich habe meine Tasse mit Sekundenkleber repariert.

Informal

"Sekundenschlaf"

— Microsleep. A brief, involuntary episode of sleep, often while driving.

Der Unfall wurde durch Sekundenschlaf verursacht.

Formal

"eine Schrecksekunde"

— A moment of shock or terror before reacting. Literally 'fright second'.

Nach einer kurzen Schrecksekunde rannte er weg.

Neutral

"seine fünf Minuten haben (related concept)"

— To have a brief moment of crazy behavior. While it uses 'Minuten', it relates to the concept of short time bursts.

Der Hund hat gerade seine fünf Minuten.

Informal

Fácil de confundir

Sekunde vs zweite

In English, 'second' means both the time unit and the number 2 in a sequence.

'Sekunde' is ONLY the unit of time. 'Zweite' is the ordinal number. You cannot say 'Ich bin der Sekunde' to mean 'I am second'. You must say 'Ich bin der Zweite'.

Die erste Sekunde war lang, die zweite Sekunde war kurz.

Sekunde vs Moment

Used interchangeably to mean 'wait a short time'.

'Moment' is masculine, 'Sekunde' is feminine. 'Moment' is slightly less specific and often considered a tiny bit more polite in formal settings.

Einen Moment bitte. / Eine Sekunde bitte.

Sekunde vs Augenblick

Also means a very short amount of time.

'Augenblick' is more literary and poetic. It literally means 'blink of an eye'. 'Sekunde' is more literal and everyday.

In diesem Augenblick verstand er es.

Sekunde vs Weile

Refers to a short amount of time.

'Weile' implies a longer wait than a 'Sekunde'. It translates more to 'a while'.

Das dauert eine Weile, nicht nur eine Sekunde.

Sekunde vs sekundieren

Looks like a verb form of Sekunde.

It is a rare verb meaning to assist someone, usually in a duel. It does not mean 'to wait a second'.

Er musste ihm beim Duell sekundieren.

Padrões de frases

[Number] + Sekunden + [bitte/noch].

Zehn Sekunden noch.

Ich + [verb] + in einer Sekunde.

Ich komme in einer Sekunde.

Es + dauerte + nur + [Number] + Sekunden.

Es dauerte nur fünf Sekunden.

In der Sekunde, als + [Subject] + [Verb], ...

In der Sekunde, als er ankam, regnete es.

Im Bruchteil einer Sekunde + [Verb] + [Subject]...

Im Bruchteil einer Sekunde veränderte sich alles.

Auf die [Adjective] Sekunde genau + [Verb] + [Subject]...

Auf die exakte Sekunde genau berechnete er den Aufprall.

Warte + für + eine Sekunde.

Warte für eine Sekunde.

Keine Sekunde + [Verb] + [Subject].

Keine Sekunde zögerte er.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

die Sekunde

der Sekundenzeiger

der Sekundenschlaf

der Sekundenkleber

die Millisekunde

Verbos

sekundieren (rare, means to act as a second in a duel)

Adjetivos

sekundenschnell

sekundär (related etymologically)

Relacionado

die Minute

die Stunde

die Zeit

der Moment

der Augenblick

Cadastre-se grátis para ver todos os exemplos

Como usar

frequency

Extremely High. It is one of the top 1000 most common words in spoken German.

Erros comuns

Ein Sekunde bitte. → Eine Sekunde bitte.
Using the masculine/neuter article 'ein' instead of the feminine 'eine'. Sekunde is feminine.
Ich bin der Sekunde in der Schlange. → Ich bin der Zweite in der Schlange.
Translating the English word 'second' (number 2) directly to 'Sekunde'. In German, the number is 'zweite'.
Ich komme in eine Sekunde. → Ich komme in einer Sekunde.
Failing to use the dative case after the preposition 'in' when referring to time.
Warte zwei Sekundes. → Warte zwei Sekunden.
Applying English plural rules (adding -s) instead of German plural rules (adding -n).
Warte für einer Sekunde. → Warte für eine Sekunde.
Using the dative case after the preposition 'für'. 'Für' always takes the accusative case.

Dicas

Always Feminine

Remember that words ending in '-e' are very often feminine in German. 'Die Sekunde' follows this rule perfectly.

The Z Sound

Start the word with a buzzing 'Z' sound. Say 'Zekunde', not 'Sekunde' with a snake-like 'S'.

In vs. Vor

Use 'in einer Sekunde' for the future (in a second) and 'vor einer Sekunde' for the past (a second ago).

Compound Words

When you see 'Sekunden-' attached to another word, it usually means something happens very fast or relates to exact time.

Punctuality

Germans take time seriously. If a train is 'auf die Sekunde genau', it means it is perfectly on time.

Drop the Article

In fast speech, you can drop the 'ei' and just say ''ne Sekunde' instead of 'eine Sekunde'.

Capitalization

Never forget to capitalize the 'S'. It is a noun, and all nouns in German are capitalized.

Last Second

Memorize 'in letzter Sekunde' to sound like a native when describing a close call.

Just add N

Don't add an 's' for the plural. It's 'Sekunden', not 'Sekundes'.

Mix it up

Alternate between 'Sekunde' and 'Moment' to make your German sound more varied and natural.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Imagine a SECOND person named ZEKUNDE who always makes you wait. 'Zekunde' sounds like 'Sekunde'.

Associação visual

Visualize a giant ticking clock where the second hand is painted bright red, and every time it ticks, it makes a 'ZEK' sound.

Word Web

Zeit Uhr warten Minute schnell Moment zählen pünktlich

Desafio

Set a timer for 60 seconds. Try to say 'eine Sekunde' out loud every time the timer ticks. This will help you internalize the rhythm and the pronunciation.

Origem da palavra

The word 'Sekunde' comes from the Latin 'secunda', which is short for 'pars minuta secunda'. This literally means the 'second small part' of an hour. The first small part was the minute ('pars minuta prima'). It entered the German language in the late Middle Ages through astronomical and mathematical texts.

Significado original: The second division of an hour by sixty.

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > German

Contexto cultural

No specific cultural sensitivities, but being late is generally frowned upon in German business culture.

Unlike in English where 'second' can also mean 'number two', in German 'Sekunde' is ONLY the unit of time. The number two is 'zweite'.

The movie 'Lola rennt' (Run Lola Run) plays heavily with the concept of seconds changing fate. The German idiom '5 Minuten vor 12' (5 minutes to 12) is more common for 'last minute' than second-based idioms. Sports broadcasts in Germany obsess over 'Hundertstelsekunden' in winter sports.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Asking someone to wait

Eine Sekunde, bitte.
Warte eine Sekunde.
Geben Sie mir eine Sekunde.
Sekunde mal!

Describing how fast something happened

In Sekundenschnelle.
Im Bruchteil einer Sekunde.
Das ging in einer Sekunde.
Es dauerte nur Sekunden.

Talking about exact timing

Auf die Sekunde genau.
In letzter Sekunde.
Jede Sekunde zählt.
Der Countdown läuft in Sekunden.

Using technology or appliances

Für 30 Sekunden in die Mikrowelle.
Das Video dauert 10 Sekunden.
Der Download braucht noch Sekunden.
Drücke den Knopf für drei Sekunden.

Sports and competitions

Er war Sekunden schneller.
Eine Hundertstelsekunde Unterschied.
Noch fünf Sekunden zu spielen.
Die letzte Sekunde des Spiels.

Iniciadores de conversa

"Entschuldigung, haben Sie eine Sekunde Zeit für eine kurze Frage?"

"Können Sie das bitte für eine Sekunde halten, während ich meine Jacke anziehe?"

"Glaubst du, dass sich das Leben in einer einzigen Sekunde komplett ändern kann?"

"Wie viele Sekunden kannst du die Luft anhalten, wenn du tauchst?"

"Warum fühlt sich eine Sekunde manchmal wie eine Ewigkeit an, wenn man wartet?"

Temas para diário

Describe a moment in your life where a single 'Sekunde' made a huge difference.

Write about how you feel when you have to wait for someone who is always late. How long is a 'Sekunde' then?

Imagine you could stop time for exactly 60 'Sekunden'. What would you do in that minute?

Write a short story that takes place entirely within the span of ten 'Sekunden'.

Reflect on the German cultural obsession with punctuality. Is it good to plan life down to the 'Sekunde'?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

It is feminine. The article is 'die'. You say 'die Sekunde' and 'eine Sekunde'.

You add an '-n' to the end. The plural is 'die Sekunden'. For example, 'zwei Sekunden'.

No. In German, the unit of time is 'Sekunde', but the ordinal number is 'zweite'. You must say 'der Zweite in der Schlange'.

Because the preposition 'in', when referring to a point in time, requires the dative case. The feminine dative article is 'einer'.

It is an informal way of saying 'Wait a second!' or 'Hold on!'. It is often used when you suddenly realize something or want to interrupt.

It is acceptable, but 'Einen Moment, bitte' is generally considered slightly more polite and professional.

It is pronounced like an English 'Z', as in 'zoo'. It is not a hard 'S' sound.

It is the German word for superglue. It literally translates to 'second glue' because it dries in seconds.

Yes, in spoken German, people often just say 'Sekunde!' to mean 'Wait a second!'. It is a common colloquialism.

They are often used interchangeably to ask someone to wait. 'Sekunde' is literally 1/60th of a minute, while 'Moment' is just an unspecified short time. 'Moment' is masculine, 'Sekunde' is feminine.

Cadastre-se grátis para ver dicas e notas

Teste-se 200 perguntas

writing

Write a sentence asking someone politely to wait one second.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Eine Sekunde, bitte.