einstig
former
Previously existing or previously belonging to a person or thing; former.
EXAMPLE
Der einstige Minister arbeitet heute als Berater.
The former minister now works as an adviser.
einstig
former
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Meanings
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry einstig, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comparison
| basic form | einstig |
|---|
After der, die, das
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to einstig.
After ein, eine
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to einstig.
Without article
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -e |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -e |
| dat. | -em | -er | -em | -en |
| gen. | -en | -er | -en | -er |
Add the ending to einstig.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Einstig' (former) is formed from 'einst' (once) and the suffix '-ig'. This turns an expression of time into an adjective that modifies a noun.
EXAMPLE
Von der einstigen Burg sind nur noch die Außenmauern erhalten.
Only the outer walls of the former castle remain.
Special sentence position
'Einstig' (former) is used before a noun. It is not used as a standalone adjective after 'sein' (to be), so learn it together with a noun.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat noch Kontakt zu ihrem einstigen Lehrer.
She is still in touch with her former teacher.
Typical collocations
Common combinations include 'einstiger Besitzer' (former owner), 'einstige Heimat' (former homeland), and 'einstige Größe' (former greatness). Especially with 'Größe' (greatness), the phrase often expresses a contrast between past success and the current situation.
EXAMPLE
Der Verein hat viel von seiner einstigen Größe verloren.
The club has lost much of its former greatness.
In real life
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