German word

ehemals

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈeːəmaːls/

Meaning

  • adverbformerly

Example

Er war ehemals Direktor der Firma.

He was formerly the director of the company.

Illustration for ehemals (formerly)

More examples

Die Firma gehörte ehemals der Familie Müller.

The company formerly belonged to the Müller family.

Core concept

The past version of a person, place, or situation is viewed from the present as no longer current.

Common phrases

  • ehemals im Besitz von

    formerly in the possession of

  • ehemals ansässig in

    formerly based in

  • ehemals in Betrieb

    formerly in operation

Similar words

früher: At an earlier time or during an earlier period, in everyday speech.
damals: At the specific past time or period being discussed.
vorher: Before the event or situation just mentioned.

Definition in German

Früher; bezeichnet etwas, das in der Vergangenheit galt, oft in schriftlichem Sprachgebrauch.

Word origin

Ehemals combines the German elements ehe, meaning at an earlier time, and -mals, a form connected with Mal for a time or occasion.

Usage tips

  • Unlike English once, ehemals normally points to a former state or identity rather than simply to one occurrence.

Other meanings

  • onceadverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word