ehemalig
former
Indicates that someone or something previously had a particular quality, position, or function, but no longer has it now.
EXAMPLE
Der ehemalige Präsident besuchte seine alte Schule.
The former president visited his old school.
ehemalig
former
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is derived from 'ehemals' (formerly), which means 'früher' (earlier / formerly). It is related to 'ehe' (before) and 'Mal' (point in time) and describes a state that applied at an earlier time.
EXAMPLE
Das Gebäude war ehemals eine Schule, heute sind dort Wohnungen.
The building was formerly a school; today there are apartments there.
Only before the noun
'Ehemalig' (former) is used almost exclusively attributively, meaning directly before a noun. You cannot say: 'Das Gebäude ist ehemalig.' (The building is former.)
EXAMPLE
Das ist der ehemalige Bahnhof der Stadt.
That is the city's former train station.
Typical collocations
The adjective is very often used in connection with professions, titles, relationships, or the former function of places and buildings.
EXAMPLE
Der ehemalige Profisportler arbeitet jetzt als Trainer.
The former professional athlete now works as a coach.
Compare with
ehemalig vs alt
old
When used for a person, “alt” can express a former relationship, but without clear context it is ambiguous and can also refer to age. “Ehemalig” clearly means that the stated relationship or position no longer exists.
ehemalig
Bei der Feier sprach ich lange mit meinem ehemaligen Chef.
At the celebration, I talked at length with my former boss.
alt
Bei der Feier sprach ich lange mit meinem alten Chef.
At the celebration, I talked at length with my old boss.
In real life
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