01
bisher
so far
Expresses that something has been the case or has applied up to the present point in time.
example
Bisher hatten wir immer Glück mit dem Wetter im Urlaub.
So far, we've always had good luck with the weather on vacation.
bisher
so far
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
'Bisher' (so far) can be broken down into 'bis' (until) and 'her' (to here). It literally means 'up to this point in time.' This derivation helps you remember the meaning.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe bisher nichts von ihm gehört.
I haven't heard anything from him so far.
Word order
As an adverb, 'bisher' (so far) can stand in different positions in the sentence. If it stands at the beginning (position 1), the verb follows directly. If it stands within the sentence, the word order does not change.
EXAMPLE
Bisher war der Service immer gut.
So far, the service has always been good.
Implicit contrast
'Bisher' (so far) often suggests that a situation has changed or could soon change. It creates a contrast between the past and the present or future.
EXAMPLE
Bisher hat alles funktioniert. (Implikation: Aber jetzt gibt es ein Problem.)
So far, everything has worked. (Implication: But now there is a problem.)
Compare with
bisher vs jetzt
now
'jetzt' and 'bisher' both have to do with the current point in time, but they look in different directions. 'bisher' means the time from the past up to now. 'jetzt' means the current moment or the beginning of something new. They can be confused because both stand at the boundary with the present. Put practically: 'bisher' summarizes what has been the case up to now; 'jetzt' says what is happening right now or what applies from this moment on.
bisher
Bisher hat Frau Neumann auf meine Nachricht noch nicht geantwortet.
So far, Ms. Neumann has not yet replied to my message.
jetzt
Wir beginnen jetzt mit der Besprechung.
We are starting the meeting now.
In real life
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