spät — meaning in English: late

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Guess the translation for late

spät

etwa

ihr

verstanden

aber

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers use 'spät' in various contexts, such as when discussing meeting times or when referring to the lateness of an event. For instance, someone might say, 'Ich komme spät zur Party' (I am coming late to the party) to let friends know they'll arrive after the scheduled start time.

Synonyms & nuances

'Spät' can be compared to 'verspätet,' which is more formal and specifically means delayed. You would use 'spät' in everyday conversation, while 'verspätet' might be more suitable in formal writing or when discussing transport schedules.

Culture

'Spät' has its roots in the Old High German word 'spāti,' which also means late. Interestingly, in German culture, being 'spät' can evoke a sense of casualness, especially in social gatherings. Unlike in some cultures where lateness might be frowned upon, Germans often accommodate it, particularly among friends.

FAQ

Q.How do you use 'spät' in a sentence?

'Spät' is used as an adjective in German sentences. For example, you can say, 'Es ist spät' (It is late) or 'Wir sind spät dran' (We are late).

Q.Are there any phrases that include 'spät'?

Yes, you might hear phrases like 'zu spät' (too late) when discussing missed opportunities or deadlines. This is useful to know for everyday conversations.

Q.What is the grammatical gender of 'spät'?

'Spät' is an adjective and doesn't have a grammatical gender, but it is used in conjunction with nouns that do have gender. For example, 'der späte Abend' (the late evening) follows the masculine gender rule.

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