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anfangs
initially / at first
At the beginning; in the first period or phase of something.
example
Anfangs war ich skeptisch, aber jetzt bin ich von dem Projekt überzeugt.
At first I was skeptical, but now I'm convinced by the project.
anfangs
initially / at first
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The adverb 'anfangs' is derived from the noun 'der Anfang' (the beginning). The 's' at the end is a typical genitive ending used when forming adverbs from nouns, as also in 'morgens' (in the mornings) or 'abends' (in the evenings).
EXAMPLE
Anfangs dachte ich, die Aufgabe sei einfach.
At first I thought the task was easy.
Sentence position
'Anfangs' can be placed flexibly in the sentence. If it is in position 1, the conjugated verb follows directly. But it can also stand after the verb and the subject in the middle of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Anfangs lief alles nach Plan.
At first, everything went according to plan.
Typical contrast
'Anfangs' (initially / at first) is very often used to express a contrast with a later development. This contrast is often introduced with 'aber' (but), 'dann' (then), or 'später' (later).
EXAMPLE
Anfangs war das Wetter schlecht, aber später kam die Sonne heraus.
At first the weather was bad, but later the sun came out.
Compare with
anfangs vs erst
only / not until / first
'erst' and 'anfangs' can both point to the beginning of something. 'erst' is often used when naming a sequence of actions: first one thing, then another. 'anfangs' describes more the first period or first phase of a situation. It fits well when something changes later. In short: 'erst' orders steps, while 'anfangs' describes the beginning of a development.
anfangs
Anfangs waren wir nach der Arbeit oft müde, aber später wurde es besser.
At first we were often tired after work, but later it got better.
erst
Vor der Reise packt er erst den Koffer und prüft dann die Tickets.
Before the trip, he packs the suitcase first and then checks the tickets.
In real life
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