01
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
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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 wieder
again / back
'wieder' and 'erstmals' are opposites when it comes to how often an event happens. 'wieder' means that something has already happened before and is now happening again. 'erstmals' means that something is happening for the first time. Learners may confuse the words because both often appear with events and time expressions. The important question is: Has this happened before? If yes, 'wieder' fits. If no, 'erstmals' fits.
erstmals
Der Mitarbeiter arbeitet erstmals an einem Projekt im Ausland.
The employee is working on a project abroad for the first time.
wieder
Morgen besucht Frau Schneider wieder ihre alte Nachbarin.
Tomorrow Mrs. Schneider is visiting her old neighbor again.
In real life
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