All German word comparisons · Back to the topic overview
Meaning, sentence patterns and examples
| Word | Core meaning | Typical context | Grammar |
|---|---|---|---|
| sofort | immediately; without delay | urgent actions or immediate reactions | Invariable time adverb |
| gleich | very soon; immediately | brief waiting, near-future action | Invariable time adverb here; separate adjective means same |
sofort
Meaning and usage: Use sofort when the action follows directly or should happen without avoidable delay. It can describe an instant reaction or a promise to finish within the shortest practical time. Actual timing still depends on the task; immediately repairing a device need not mean the whole repair lasts only a second.
Grammar: An invariable adverb: it takes no adjective ending in these time uses. It can stand in the middle of a main clause or first: sofort rufe ich an. The phrase ab sofort means from now on or with immediate effect.
Bitte ruf mich sofort an.
Please call me immediately.
Ab sofort beginnt der Kurs um acht.
From now on, the course starts at eight.
gleich
Meaning and usage: In a time expression, gleich places an action very near the present. Ich komme gleich often promises that you will come shortly; the speaker may finish a small task first. The dictionary also includes immediate action, so it is inaccurate to say gleich can never mean right away.
Grammar: In temporal use it is an unchanged adverb: ich komme gleich. Do not confuse it with the inflectable adjective meaning same or equal, as in die gleiche Tasche. The surrounding words identify which use is intended.
Ich komme gleich; ich suche nur noch meinen Schlüssel.
I will be there in a moment; I am just finding my key.
Wir besprechen das gleich nach der Pause.
We will discuss that immediately after the break.
Overlap and context
Ich mache das sofort and ich mache das gleich may promise almost the same timing. Sofort often makes urgency clearer, while gleich can sound like a short postponement in context. Tone and circumstances matter. Neither word specifies an exact waiting period; if timing is important, give a concrete time rather than relying on the adverb.
Common mistakes
- Do not define gleich as a specific interval, such as exactly five minutes.
- Do not assume sofort always promises literal instantaneous completion.
- Check whether gleich expresses time or sameness before choosing an English translation.
Memory aid: Sofort stresses no delay; gleich puts it very close to now.
Try it
A warning requires action without delay. Which is clearer: Verlassen Sie sofort / gleich das Gebäude?
Show the answer
sofort
Sofort emphasizes immediate action. Gleich can also mean immediately, but may suggest a brief wait in everyday speech.