German word

zunächst

Pronunciation

IPA/tsuˈnɛːçst/

Meaning

  • adverbfirst

Example

Zunächst sollten wir kurz die Fakten prüfen.

First, we should briefly check the facts.

Illustration for zunächst (first)

More examples

In der Besprechung klären wir zunächst die Zuständigkeiten.

In the meeting, we will first of all clarify the responsibilities.

Core concept

A plan opens with an initial stage that sets the immediate course without closing off later stages.

Common phrases

  • zunächst einmal

    first of all

Similar words

zuerst: Before anything else in the order of actions or events.
erst: At the earliest stage or moment in a sequence.
anfangs: During the initial phase of something.
vorerst: For now, pending a later change or decision.

Definition in German

zunächst gebraucht man, um einen ersten Schritt oder eine vorläufige Entscheidung einzuleiten.

Word origin

The word combines zu with the superlative form nächst, whose meaning shifted from spatial nearness to what comes first or applies for the present.

Usage tips

  • In structured speech, zunächst often introduces the first point before later points, especially when the discussion proceeds step by step.

Other meanings

  • for nowadverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word