German word

Nächste

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈnɛːçstə/

Meaning

  • noun (m./f.)the next person

Example

Wer ist der Nächste?

Who is next?

Illustration for Nächste (the next person)

More examples

Der Nächste an der Kasse bezahlt.

The next person at the checkout pays.

Core concept

One person waiting directly behind another, ready to take that person's place in turn.

Common phrases

  • der Nächste an der Kasse

    the next person at the checkout

  • der Nächste im Fahrstuhl

    the next person in the elevator

Similar words

Anstehender: A person waiting for their turn and due to go next.

Definition in German

Jemand, der als Nächstes an die Reihe kommt.

Word origin

The noun Nächste comes from the superlative adjective nächst-, which is historically related to nah and developed the sense of being next in order.

Usage tips

  • Nächste is lowercase in die nächste Person but uppercase in die Nächste because the latter is a substantivized adjective.

Other meanings

  • neighbornoun

Opposites

  • Letztethe last personnoun
  • Vorgängerpredecessornoun

Related words

  • nächstliegendmost likelyadjective
  • nächstenssoonadverb

Word lists with this word