German word

erstmals

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈeːɐ̯stmaːls/

Meaning

  • adverbfor the first time

Example

Wir haben uns erstmals getroffen.

We met for the first time.

Illustration for erstmals (for the first time)

More examples

Ein Kind nahm erstmals an dem Wettkampf teil.

A child took part in the competition for the first time.

Core concept

An event appears on its timeline at the earliest point ever reached.

Common phrases

  • erstmals teilnehmen

    participate for the first time

  • erstmals probieren

    try for the first time

  • erstmals bestätigen

    confirm for the first time

Similar words

zum ersten Mal: Expresses that something is happening for the first time.
erstmal: Suggests handling something first as a temporary measure.
zuerst: Identifies what comes first by order or timing.
anfangs: Points to the initial period when something begins.

Definition in German

Etwas geschieht zum ersten Mal; bezeichnet das erste Auftreten einer Handlung oder eines Ereignisses.

Word origin

The adverb derives from the German elements erst and Mal, with the ending -s preserving an old genitive form meaning 'of a time'.

Usage tips

  • Erstmals describes a first occurrence, whereas colloquial erstmal can also mean 'first of all' or 'for now'.

Opposites

Related words

  • erstmalfirst of alladverb
  • erstensfirstlyadverb

Word lists with this word