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.
