Unverzüglich

Unverzüglich is a German adjective and adverb meaning "without delay" or "immediately." In everyday language it signals that an action should occur promptly, without unnecessary waiting. In formal and legal German, unverzüglich carries a stronger obligation, indicating that a response or performance must take place without undue delay after a triggering event or after gaining knowledge of relevant facts.

Usage is common in contracts, administrative regulations, and court texts. Phrases such as "unverzüglich zu leisten", "unverzüglich nach Kenntnis", or "unverzüglich zu prüfen" appear in civil and administrative law. The term helps set timeliness expectations for parties, authorities, and recipients. In practice the exact timeframe depends on context and reasonable circumstances; courts interpret "unverüglich" as prompt action that avoids unnecessary procrastination, but does not necessarily require instantaneous action in all situations.

Translations into English vary with context; in legal translations it is often rendered as "without delay" or "without undue delay," while more general usage can be "promptly" or "immediately." The word is formed from the prefix un- attached to verzüglich, the latter meaning prompt or expeditious.