plötzlich

Meaning

Adv

suddenly, abruptly

Adj

sudden, abrupt, brusque

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈplœt͡slɪç/

Etymology

From late Middle High German plotzlich, from Plotz (“clap, slap”) (onomatopoeic), originally adverb, since Luther also in adjectival use. 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.

Sentences

Plötzlich steigt einer aus .

Suddenly, someone gets out.

Doch nun schlägt der stellvertretende Bürgermeister plötzlich ganz andere Töne an .

But now the deputy mayor suddenly sounds completely different.