01
anschließend
afterward
Directly after something else in time; after that, then.
example
Wir besuchen zuerst das Museum und gehen anschließend in ein Café.
First we visit the museum, and afterward we go to a café.
anschließend
afterward
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word order
As an adverb, 'anschließend' (afterward) can stand in different positions in the sentence. In position 1, it introduces the sentence and the verb follows directly after it. In the middle of the sentence, it usually comes after the verb and the subject.
EXAMPLE
Anschließend tranken wir einen Kaffee.
Afterward, we drank a coffee.
Word structure
'Anschließend' (afterward) is the present participle form of the verb 'anschließen' (to connect / to follow). This verb can mean 'folgen' (to follow) or 'sich anschließen' (to join / to be attached). So the adverb describes an action that 'connects' to a previous one.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Vortrag schloss sich eine Diskussion an.
After the lecture, a discussion followed.
Register and style
This word is often used in reports, instructions, or more formal narratives to structure a clear sequence of events. It often sounds somewhat more formal than other words for 'danach' (after that).
EXAMPLE
Zuerst die Zwiebeln schneiden, anschließend in Öl anbraten.
First chop the onions, then sauté them in oil.
Compare with
anschließend vs dann
then
'dann' and 'anschließend' can both mean that something happens after something else. In many chronological sequences, they are very similar. 'dann' is very common and general in everyday language. 'anschließend' sounds a bit more precise and often somewhat more formal; it emphasizes that the next action comes directly after the first one. In a simple story, 'dann' fits very well; in a plan or report, 'anschließend' often sounds especially clear.
anschließend
Erik hat die Aufgabe beendet und anschließend seine Lehrerin gefragt.
Erik finished the task and then asked his teacher afterward.
dann
Mein Kollege kauft erst ein Ticket und steigt dann in den Zug.
My colleague first buys a ticket and then gets on the train.
In real life
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