knapp
scarce · tight · just under · terse
Etwas ist fast nicht genug oder nur sehr wenig vorhanden.
The German word "knapp" is an adjective and adverb meaning "scarce," "tight," "close," or "barely." It describes something that is limited in quantity, time, or space. For example, "ein knappes Budget" (a tight budget) or "knapp gewinnen" (to win narrowly).
Words with similar meanings:
- begrenzt (limited)
- knirpsig (rare, colloquial)
- dicht (tight, dense)
- spärlich (sparse)
Difference:
- "knapp" emphasizes the scarcity or narrowness often in a quantitative or temporal sense,
- while "begrenzt" stresses a definite limit,
- "dicht" relates more to physical closeness or density,
- and "spärlich" emphasizes shortage or insufficiency, often in quality or number rather than just quantity.
Make “knapp” part of your vocabulary.
Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Die Schokolade ist knapp.adjective
The chocolate is scarce.
Das Budget ist knapp.adjective
The budget is tight.
Die Jacke ist etwas knapp.adjective
The jacket is a bit tight.
Sein Hemd war zu knapp.adjective
His shirt was too tight.
Das Hemd fällt sehr knapp aus.adverb
The shirt fits very tightly.
Der Abstand bleibt knapp zwei Meter.adverb
The distance remains just under two meters.
Unsere Vorräte sind knapp geworden.adjective
Our supplies have become scarce.
Die knappen Antworten machten mich nervös.adjective
The terse answers made me nervous.
Unsere Vorräte sind nach dem Winter sehr knapp geworden.Word type unavailable
Our supplies have become very scarce after the winter.
Keep exploring German
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad