01
auf Anhieb
on the first try
Immediately on the first attempt; without difficulty or delay.
example
Sie hat die schwierige Prüfung auf Anhieb bestanden.
She passed the difficult exam on the first try.
der Anhieb
first try
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Meanings
Usage tips
Fixed expression
The noun 'Anhieb' is used almost exclusively in the fixed expression 'auf Anhieb' (on the first try/right away). It is not used on its own with an article like 'der Anhieb'.
EXAMPLE
Es hat nicht auf Anhieb geklappt, aber beim zweiten Mal schon.
It didn't work on the first try, but it did the second time.
Word structure
The expression can be derived from its parts: 'der Hieb' means 'the blow/strike'. So 'auf Anhieb' literally means 'on the first strike' and figuratively 'on the first attempt'.
EXAMPLE
Der Sportler schaffte den Rekord gleich auf Anhieb.
The athlete achieved the record right on the first try.
Typical collocations
The expression 'auf Anhieb' (on the first try/right away) is often combined with verbs of succeeding or understanding. Typical examples are: 'etwas auf Anhieb schaffen' (to manage something on the first try), 'verstehen' (to understand), 'finden' (to find), or 'klappen' (to work out).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe die neue Software auf Anhieb verstanden.
I understood the new software right away.
Compare with
Anhieb vs gleich
immediate / same
'gleich' and 'auf Anhieb' can both have to do with something immediate. 'gleich' generally means: in a very short time or right away. You can use it in many situations, for example when you are coming right away or calling back right away. 'auf Anhieb' is used only for an attempt or a result. It means that something works or is understood immediately on the first try. So 'gleich' is more about when something happens. 'auf Anhieb' says that something succeeds without several attempts.
Anhieb
Sofia hat die schwere Aufgabe auf Anhieb gelöst.
Sofia solved the difficult task on the first try.
gleich
Ich rufe dich gleich nach dem Termin zurück.
I'll call you back right after the appointment.
In real life
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