erste
first
Occupying the first position in a temporal or ordered sequence.
EXAMPLE
Sie war die erste Person, die den Raum betrat.
She was the first person to enter the room.
erste
first
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Meanings
erste
first
Present at the beginning of a development or process; initial or at first.
EXAMPLE
Der erste Eindruck von der Stadt war sehr positiv.
The first impression of the city was very positive.
an erster Stelle
in first place
Having priority or being the most important within a series of things or goals.
EXAMPLE
Bei dieser Entscheidung steht die Sicherheit an erster Stelle.
With this decision, safety comes first.
erste Wahl
first choice
The especially preferred or most suitable option.
EXAMPLE
Für dieses Projekt ist sie unsere erste Wahl.
She is our first choice for this project.
erste Sahne
top-notch
Colloquial: especially good or of excellent quality.
EXAMPLE
Der Kuchen ist wirklich erste Sahne.
The cake is really top-notch.
Usage tips
Expressing sequence
'Erste' (first) often comes before nouns that refer to a temporal or ordered sequence. Typical combinations refer to a day, place, attempt, or appointment within a series.
EXAMPLE
Am ersten Tag des Kurses waren alle noch etwas nervös.
On the first day of the course, everyone was still a little nervous.
Typical collocations
When referring to the beginning of a development, common combinations include 'erster Eindruck' (first impression), 'erste Schritte' (first steps), 'erste Erfahrungen' (first experiences), and 'erste Reaktion' (first reaction).
EXAMPLE
Seine erste Reaktion auf den Vorschlag war überraschend positiv.
His first reaction to the suggestion was surprisingly positive.
Fixed expression
In the fixed expression 'an erster Stelle stehen' (to come first), 'erste' refers to the most important goal, criterion, or need. After 'an', the dative form is used here.
EXAMPLE
Für meine Eltern stand die Familie immer an erster Stelle.
For my parents, family always came first.
First choice
'Erste Wahl' (first choice) is often used with 'sein' (to be) or 'bleiben' (to remain) and refers to an especially preferred option or person.
EXAMPLE
Als Urlaubsziel bleibt Italien für uns die erste Wahl.
Italy remains our first choice as a vacation destination.
Colloquial expression
'Erste Sahne' (top-notch) is a fixed, colloquial expression for particularly high quality. It is often used after 'sein' (to be) or 'finden' (to find).
EXAMPLE
Die Musik auf dem Festival war wirklich erste Sahne.
The music at the festival was really top-notch.
In real life
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