German word

längst

Pronunciation

IPA/lɛŋst/

Meaning

  • adverbalready

Example

Das Problem ist längst geklärt.

The problem has already been resolved.

Illustration for längst (already)

More examples

Die Diskussion ist längst vorbei.

The discussion is long over.

Core concept

A past milestone lies far behind, while its result is still clear in the present.

Common phrases

  • längst vorbei

    long over

Similar words

schon: Already the case at a given point in time.
bereits: Already the case, with a preference for formal written language.
seit langem: Continuing from a time far in the past.
noch: Continuing to be the case at that time.

Definition in German

Signalisiert, dass etwas schon vor langer Zeit der Fall war und daher jetzt selbstverständlich oder als erledigt gilt.

Word origin

Längst is the adverbial superlative of lang, formed with the superlative ending -st and umlaut, and it developed the temporal sense 'long since'.

Usage tips

  • Unlike English already, längst often stresses that the relevant point in time lies far in the past.

Other meanings

  • long agoadverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word