plötzlich

German

Etymology

From late Middle High German plotzlich, from Plotz (clap, slap) (onomatopoeic), originally adverb, since Luther also in adjectival use. By synchronic analysis, from an onomatopoeic element plotz (sound of a quick impact or blow) + -lich (-like).[1][2]

Cognate with Hunsrik pletzlich. Compare also Middle Low German plutzlik (> Danish pludselig, Swedish plötslig). Related to Early New High German plözling, whence Yiddish פּלוצלינג (plutsling). Compare also a similar development in Dutch plotseling, which replaced earlier plotzelijk.[3]

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈplœt͡slɪç/, [ˈpʰl̥œt͡slɪç]
  • Audio:(file)
  • Audio (Austria):(file)

Adverb

plötzlich

  1. suddenly, abruptly [from 14th c.]
    Synonyms: auf einmal, unvermittelt
    Während der Fahrt ist der Motor plötzlich ausgegangen.
    While driving, the motor suddenly turned off.

Derived terms

Adjective

plötzlich (strong nominative masculine singular plötzlicher, not comparable)

  1. sudden, abrupt, brusque [from 2nd half of 15th c.]

Declension

References

  1. ^ Wolfgang Pfeifer, editor (1993), “plötzlich”, in Etymologisches Wörterbuch des Deutschen (in German), 2nd edition, Berlin: Akademie-Verlag, →ISBN
  2. ^ Friedrich Kluge (1989) “plötzlich”, in Etymologisches Wörterbuch der deutschen Sprache [Etymological Dictionary of the German Language] (in German), 22nd edition, Berlin: Walter de Gruyter, →ISBN
  3. ^ van der Sijs, Nicoline, editor (2010), “plotseling”, in Etymologiebank, Meertens Institute

Further reading