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plötzlich

sudden

adjective PLURTS-likh Less Common
Descriptions & Qualities Manner

Origin: from 'Plotz' (a sudden bang)

Also means

suddenly

Usage Note

plötzlich works as both adjective and adverb without changing form when used adverbially: Plötzlich war es still ('suddenly it was quiet'). It is a staple opener for storytelling and crime reports.

Examples

"Plötzlich begann es zu regnen."

Natural Translation

Suddenly it began to rain.

Literal Translation

Suddenly began it to rain.

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