adverb
almost, nearly
B1
Beinahe means 'almost' or 'nearly' and functions as an adverb of degree. It modifies verbs, adjectives or numbers (e.g., 'beinahe hätte ich...'). No preposition or reflexive use. Often interchangeable with 'fast' in colloquial German and emphasises an event that nearly occurred.
Examples
Das Ergebnis war beinahe perfekt.
The result was nearly perfect.
Er war beinahe am Ziel.
He was almost at his destination.
Der Läufer stürzte beinahe, als er auf nassem Pflaster ausrutschte.
The runner almost fell when he slipped on the wet pavement.
Details
Mnemonics
Imagine a finishing line with someone just a step short
sounds like 'be near, he' — nearly there
Notes
Beinahe and beinah are interchangeable in most contexts. Use to indicate something very close to happening or being true.