nun
now, at this moment · well, so · now then, come on
Nun means 'now' or 'well' and is used to refer to the present moment, to introduce a new point, or to express resignation or hesitation. It is slightly more formal than 'jetzt' and often appears in spoken German as a filler or transition word.
What nun means
- now, at this moment — referring to the present time or a point just reached
- well, so — introducing a statement, question, or change of topic
- now then, come on — urging someone to do something or expressing impatience
Heard in real German videos
Lines where nun was actually spoken, from German videos watched with DeutschChat.
- Nun ist eben alles wieder beim Alten.Now everything is back to normal again.
- Nun reiß dich gefälligst zusammen, Mann.Now pull yourself together, man.
- Nun, ich sollte lieber gehen.Well, I'd better go.
Example sentences
- Nun müssen wir gehen.Now we have to go.
- Nun, das ist eine gute Frage.Well, that is a good question.
- Was machen wir nun?What do we do now?
- Nun gut, ich helfe dir.All right then, I'll help you.
Common phrases
- nun jawell, yes (expressing hesitation or concession)
- nun gutall right then, very well
- von nun anfrom now on
- was nun?what now?
- nun dennwell then
The mistake English speakers make
English speakers often confuse 'nun' with 'jetzt'. While both mean 'now', 'nun' is more often used for logical transitions or in phrases like 'nun ja', whereas 'jetzt' refers more concretely to the present moment.
Don’t confuse it with
- jetzt — Jetzt emphasizes the immediate present, while nun often has a logical or conversational function.
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between 'nun' and 'jetzt'?
Both mean 'now', but 'nun' is often used in a logical sense or as a discourse marker, while 'jetzt' refers to the immediate present. 'Nun' is also slightly more formal.
Can 'nun' be used at the beginning of a sentence?
Yes, 'nun' often starts a sentence to introduce a new point or to express a conclusion, similar to 'well' or 'now' in English.
Is 'nun' used in spoken German?
Yes, 'nun' is common in spoken German, especially in phrases like 'nun ja' or 'nun gut' to show hesitation or agreement.