first edition
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first edition
The very first printed and published version of a book, magazine, or other printed work. Such editions are often highly sought after by collectors.
Er besitzt eine seltene Erstausgabe von Goethes „Faust“ aus dem Jahr 1808.
He owns a rare first edition of Goethe's 'Faust' from 1808.
The word is a compound of 'erst-' (from 'erste,' meaning first) and 'Ausgabe' (edition/issue). So it literally means the 'first edition' or first version of a work.
Auf dem Flohmarkt habe ich eine Erstausgabe eines berühmten Romans gefunden.
At the flea market, I found a first edition of a famous novel.
The word element 'Erst-' is used in many other nouns to refer to the first time something happens. Examples are 'Erstaufführung' (premiere, of a play) or 'Erstflug' (maiden flight, of an airplane).
Die Erstaufführung der Oper war ein großer Erfolg.
The premiere of the opera was a great success.
'Erstausgabe' (first edition) is often combined with adjectives such as 'selten' (rare) or 'wertvoll' (valuable). Typical verbs in this context are 'sammeln' (to collect), 'besitzen' (to own), or 'suchen' (to look for).
Ein Sammler sucht eine seltene Erstausgabe dieses Buches.
A collector is looking for a rare first edition of this book.
expense / issue / output
'die Ausgabe' and 'die Erstausgabe' can both mean a version of a book, magazine, or other printed work. 'Ausgabe' is general and can be any issue or edition. 'Erstausgabe' is very specific: it is the very first printed and published version. The words can be confused because an 'Erstausgabe' is also an 'Ausgabe'. If the order is not important, you say 'Ausgabe'. If it is about the first publication, especially for collectors, 'Erstausgabe' is correct.
Im Antiquariat liegt eine Erstausgabe des Romans hinter Glas.
In the antiquarian bookshop, a first edition of the novel is behind glass.
Mein Kollege nimmt vor der Reise eine kleine Ausgabe des Stadtplans mit.
My colleague takes a small edition of the city map with him before the trip.