erstmal
first
Means 'zuerst' (first) or 'zunächst' (initially) and indicates an order of actions.
EXAMPLE
Lass uns erstmal essen, bevor wir den Film ansehen.
Let's eat first before we watch the film.
erstmal
first / for now
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Meanings
erstmal
for now
Means 'vorläufig' (for the time being) or 'für den Augenblick' (for the moment) and expresses that something is enough or finished for the moment.
EXAMPLE
Danke, das reicht erstmal.
Thanks, that's enough for now.
Usage tips
Colloquial form
'Erstmal' is the commonly used colloquial short form of 'erst einmal' (first / for now). In spoken language and informal texts, 'erstmal' is very widespread.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss erstmal meine E-Mails checken.
I first need to check my emails.
Showing sequence
In the meaning of 'zuerst' (first), 'erstmal' structures a sequence of actions. It often stands in the middle of the sentence, after the conjugated verb, to mark the first step in a chain.
EXAMPLE
Wir gehen erstmal einkaufen und kochen dann gemeinsam.
We'll go shopping first and then cook together.
Meaning 'for now'
'Erstmal' can also mean 'for the moment' or 'for the time being'. It expresses that a situation or action is finished or sufficient for the moment.
EXAMPLE
Für heute haben wir genug gearbeitet, das war's erstmal.
We've worked enough for today; that's it for now.
Compare with
erstmal vs erst
only / not until / first
Erst and erstmal can both mark an action as the first step. Erst works well with a clearly stated subsequent sequence. Erstmal focuses more on the immediate beginning and often leaves what happens afterward open. These are tendencies; in the right context, both are possible.
erstmal
Ich prüfe erstmal die Rechnung und entscheide danach über den nächsten Schritt.
I’ll check the bill first and decide on the next step afterward.
erst
Erst prüfe ich die Rechnung, dann überweise ich das Geld.
First I check the bill, and then I transfer the money.
In real life
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