fast hätte ich

I almost

→ fast

phrase Rare #34,359

I almost Used to describe something that nearly happened in the past but did not. It is usually followed by a past participle or an infinitive phrase, such as “Fast hätte ich es vergessen” (“I almost forgot it”).

GE: Fast hätte ich den Zug verpasst.

EN: I almost missed the train.

Fast hätte ich das gestern unterlassen.

I almost didn't do that yesterday.

Fast hätte ich versäumt, mich zu verabschieden.

I almost forgot to say goodbye.

— Rebecca (1940)

Fast hätte ich Marnie vergessen!

I almost forgot Marnie!

— Erinnerungen an Marnie (2014)

Fast hätte ich getan, wessen du mich beschuldigst, aber nur fast!

I almost did what you're accusing me of, but only almost!

Ja, richtig, fast hätte ich es versäumt.

Yes, that's right, I almost missed it.

— Rote Laterne (1991)

Fast hätte ich's vergessen.

I almost forgot.

— Zwei glorreiche Halunken (1966)