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 Anlauf
attempt / run-up
„Auf Anhieb“ emphasizes that something succeeds immediately on the first try and without difficulty. „Der Anlauf,“ by contrast, refers to the individual attempt itself and often suggests that further attempts may follow, but it can also be successful. Use „auf Anhieb“ for immediate success and „beim ersten Anlauf“ when focusing on the attempt.
Anhieb
Die Schülerin löste die schwierige Aufgabe auf Anhieb.
The student solved the difficult problem on the first try.
Anlauf
Die Schülerin löste die schwierige Aufgabe beim ersten Anlauf.
The student solved the difficult problem on her first attempt.
In real life
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