knapp

The German word "knapp" is an adjective and adverb meaning "scarce," "tight," or "just enough." It describes something that is limited in quantity, time, or space.

• As an adjective, it can mean:
  • scarce (knappes Wasser = scarce water)
  • tight (knappe Zeit = tight time)
• As an adverb, it means:
  • barely or just (Er hat die Prüfung knapp bestanden = He just passed the exam)

Similar words:

• "selten" (rare) — focuses more on rarity than scarcity
• "gering" (low, small) — refers to quantity or amount
• "mangelhaft" (deficient) — implies poor quality or insufficiency

Difference:
"Knapp" emphasizes limited availability or closeness to a boundary, whereas "selten" focuses on frequency, "gering" on amount, and "mangelhaft" on quality.