jetzt
now, at this moment · now, at this point in a sequence
Jetzt means 'now' and refers to the present moment or the immediate next action. It is one of the most common time adverbs in German and is used in everyday speech to mark a change, emphasize immediacy, or contrast with the past.
What jetzt means
- now, at this moment — referring to the present time
- now, at this point in a sequence — introducing the next step or a new situation
Heard in real German videos
Lines where jetzt was actually spoken, from German videos watched with DeutschChat.
- Jetzt sind wir Frösche.Now we are frogs.
- Und jetzt ein bisschen Musik.And now a little music.
Example sentences
- Ich muss jetzt gehen.I have to go now.
- Jetzt verstehe ich.Now I understand.
- Was machen wir jetzt?What are we doing now?
- Jetzt ist es zu spät.Now it's too late.
Common phrases
- bis jetztuntil now, so far
- ab jetztfrom now on
- gerade jetztright now, at this very moment
- jetzt erst rechtnow more than ever
The mistake English speakers make
English speakers sometimes confuse 'jetzt' with 'nun'. 'Jetzt' is more common and concrete, while 'nun' is often used in formal or narrative contexts. Use 'jetzt' for everyday 'now'.
Don’t confuse it with
- nun — Nun is more formal or literary and often implies a consequence or a new stage, while jetzt is the everyday word for 'now'.
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between 'jetzt' and 'nun'?
Jetzt is the common word for 'now' in everyday speech. Nun is more formal, often used in writing or to indicate a logical consequence.
Can 'jetzt' be used at the beginning of a sentence?
Yes, placing 'jetzt' at the beginning emphasizes the time or the change of situation, as in 'Jetzt gehen wir.'
How do you say 'right now' in German?
You can say 'gerade jetzt' or simply 'jetzt' with emphasis. 'Sofort' means 'immediately' and is stronger.