German Phrase
Fast, nur ein paar Minuten.
Meaning
The speaker is indicating that something is almost finished or will happen soon – only a few minutes remain. It conveys a sense of imminence without giving an exact time.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to give a quick, informal estimate of remaining time, for example after being asked how long a task will take, or when you’re about to be ready.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Fast,nureinpaarMinuten.
Fast (adverb)
Used to mean 'almost' or 'nearly', not to be confused with 'schnell' (fast/quick).
nur (adverb)
Means 'only' or 'just', used to limit the quantity.
ein paar
An indefinite quantifier meaning 'a few', always followed by a plural noun.
Minuten (noun, plural)
Plural of 'Minute', a feminine noun; the article is omitted after 'ein paar'.
🗨In Conversation
Wie lange dauert es noch?
How much longer will it take?
Fast, nur ein paar Minuten.
Almost, just a few minutes.
✕Common Mistakes
Fast, nur ein paar Minuten schnell.
Do not use 'Fast' to mean 'quickly' here; it means 'almost'.
Fast, nur ein paar Minute.
After 'ein paar' the noun must stay plural.
Fast, nur ein paar Minuten noch.
The word order 'nur ein paar Minuten noch' is acceptable but less natural in this short response; keep it simple.
↔Alternatives
Gleich, nur noch ein paar Minuten.
Soon, just a few more minutes.
Bald, nur noch ein paar Minuten.
Soon, only a few minutes left.
Kurz noch, ein paar Minuten.
Just a short while, a few minutes.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking cultures punctuality is highly valued. Saying 'Fast, nur ein paar Minuten' signals that you respect the other person's time and are close to being on schedule. Keep the tone casual; in formal settings you might say 'In Kürze, voraussichtlich in ein paar Minuten.'