German word

zuerst

Pronunciation

IPA/tsuˈeːɐ̯st/

Meaning

  • adverbfirst

Example

Zuerst müssen wir essen.

First, we have to eat.

Illustration for zuerst (first)

More examples

Zuerst einmal sehen wir uns das Problem an.

First of all, let's take a look at the problem.

Core concept

A sequence begins with one marked first step, before any later step.

Common phrases

  • zuerst einmal

    first of all

  • zuerst mal

    first off

Similar words

zunächst: Before anything else is done or anything else happens.
anfangs: At the beginning of a period or situation.
vorher: Before a particular time or event.
erst: Not until a specified point does something happen for the first time.

Definition in German

Zeigt an, dass etwas in einer Reihenfolge an erster Stelle steht oder zuerst geschieht.

Word origin

The adverb comes from Middle High German ze erst or zuo erst, combining zu or zuo, meaning 'to', with erst, meaning 'first'.

Usage tips

  • When zuerst starts a main clause, the finite verb still occupies the second position, as in 'Zuerst müssen wir essen.'

Other meanings

  • beforehandadverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word