bereits
already
Expresses that something happened earlier than expected or at an earlier point in time. Synonymous with 'schon' (already).
EXAMPLE
Als ich ankam, war der Zug bereits abgefahren.
When I arrived, the train had already left.
bereits
already
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Meanings
bereits
even
Used for emphasis to express that one specific fact alone is sufficient.
EXAMPLE
Bereits die Anwesenheit des Chefs sorgte für eine angespannte Atmosphäre.
Even the boss's presence created a tense atmosphere.
Usage tips
Sentence position
The adverb 'bereits' (already) can stand in different positions in a sentence. It often appears in the middle field, but it can also stand in position 1 to emphasize the time. In this case, the verb follows directly after it.
EXAMPLE
Er hat die Prüfung bereits bestanden.
He has already passed the exam.
Style and register
The word 'bereits' (already) belongs more to written language and more formal contexts. It is used less often in everyday spoken language.
EXAMPLE
Der Bericht wurde bereits gestern fertiggestellt.
The report was already completed yesterday.
Sentence structure and emphasis
In this meaning, 'bereits' (even) often stands at the beginning of the sentence directly before a noun. It emphasizes that this one thing or person alone has a certain effect.
EXAMPLE
Bereits der Gedanke an die Prüfung machte ihn nervös.
Even the thought of the exam made him nervous.
Compare with
bereits vs schon
already
Schon and bereits both say that something happened earlier than expected or at an earlier point in time. Schon usually sounds more natural and more conversational, while bereits sounds more factual and formal. The meaning is nearly the same.
bereits
Die Gäste sind bereits angekommen.
The guests have already arrived.
schon
Die Gäste sind schon angekommen.
The guests have already arrived.
In real life
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