German word

erstmalig

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈeːɐ̯stˌmaːlɪç/

Meaning

  • adverbfor the first time

Example

Wir haben erstmalig zusammen telefoniert.

We talked on the phone together for the first time.

Illustration for erstmalig (for the first time)

More examples

Bei der Konferenz wurde erstmalig ein neues Format getestet.

At the conference, a new format was tested for the first time.

Core concept

A blank record receives its first entry as an event takes place.

Common phrases

  • erstmalig öffentlich gemacht

    made public for the first time

  • erstmalig getestet

    tested for the first time

Similar words

zum ersten Mal: For the first time in ordinary spoken language.
erstmals: For the first time, in a formal or elevated style.
zuerst: As the first in a sequence or before anything else.
anfangs: During the early stage of something.

Definition in German

Kennzeichnet, dass etwas erstmals geschieht oder erfolgt.

Word origin

Erstmalig combines erst, meaning 'first', with Mal, meaning 'occasion' or 'time', and the suffix -ig.

Usage tips

  • Erstmalig is especially frequent in formal, administrative, and report-style prose, while zum ersten Mal is common in ordinary speech.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word