erstmals
for the first time
For the first time; on the first occasion.
EXAMPLE
Das Festival findet dieses Jahr erstmals in unserer Stadt statt.
The festival is taking place in our city for the first time this year.
erstmals
for the first time
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'erst' (first) and 'Mal' (time/occasion), with an added 's'. It literally means 'on the first time' and emphasizes this one-time, first-time character.
EXAMPLE
Der Roman wurde 1925 erstmals veröffentlicht.
The novel was first published in 1925.
Sentence position
As an adverb, 'erstmals' (for the first time) can stand flexibly in the sentence. It can stand at the beginning to emphasize the event (then the verb follows), or in the middle of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Erstmals in der Geschichte des Unternehmens wurde eine Frau zur Chefin ernannt.
For the first time in the company's history, a woman was appointed as boss.
Register and style
'Erstmals' (for the first time) is often used in a more formal or written context, such as in news reports, reports, or historical texts.
EXAMPLE
Wissenschaftler haben erstmals Wasser auf diesem Planeten nachgewiesen.
Scientists have detected water on this planet for the first time.
Compare with
erstmals vs erstmalig
for the first time
“Erstmals” and “erstmalig” both mean that something happens for the first time. “Erstmals” usually sounds neutral and works well in ordinary reports. “Erstmalig” often sounds more formal and is used especially in official announcements.
erstmals
Das Museum öffnet in diesem Jahr erstmals auch am Montag.
This year, the museum is opening on Mondays for the first time as well.
erstmalig
Laut offizieller Mitteilung öffnet das Museum in diesem Jahr erstmalig auch am Montag.
According to the official announcement, the museum is opening on Mondays for the first time this year as well.
In real life
Loading video examples...