German Conversation · Level 31
90 words
German word
vormals
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈfoːɐ̯maːls/
Meaning
- adverbformerly
Example
Er wohnte vormals in Berlin.
He formerly lived in Berlin.
More examples
Das Unternehmen firmierte vormals unter einem anderen Namen.
The company formerly operated under a different name.
Core concept
A timeline points from the current state to a former one that belongs to the past.
Common phrases
vormals beheimatet in
formerly based in
vormals von Bedeutung für
formerly important to
Similar words
früher: Earlier or in former times, with broad everyday use for past situations or habits.
damals: Back then, pointing to a particular past scene, occasion, or event.
Definition in German
Zu einer früheren Zeit; früher.
Word origin
The adverb vormals developed from vor Mal(s), referring literally to an earlier time or occasion.
Usage tips
- Vormals can describe a former role or name as well as a former location, especially in formal descriptions.