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The first suitable opportunity, person, or thing that presents itself, without any further searching or selection.
Er nahm die nächstbeste Gelegenheit wahr, um mit ihr zu sprechen.
He took the first opportunity that came along to talk to her.
| basic form | nächstbeste |
|---|
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | - | - | - | -n |
| acc. | -n | - | - | -n |
| dat. | -n | -n | -n | -n |
| gen. | -n | -n | -n | -n |
Add the ending to nächstbeste.
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -r | - | -s | -n |
| acc. | -n | - | -s | -n |
| dat. | -n | -n | -n | -n |
| gen. | -n | -n | -n | -n |
Add the ending to nächstbeste.
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -r | - | -s | - |
| acc. | -n | - | -s | - |
| dat. | -m | -r | -m | -n |
| gen. | -n | -r | -n | -r |
Add the ending to nächstbeste.
'Nächstbeste' combines 'nächst-' (next in line) with 'beste' (best). It refers to whatever presents itself first, without a long search or careful selection.
Er nahm den nächstbesten Zug, der in die Stadt fuhr.
He took the first train that was going to the city.
In the meaning of 'first suitable opportunity', 'nächstbeste' often occurs with words such as 'Gelegenheit' (opportunity), 'Möglichkeit' (possibility), or 'Person' (person). The expression can suggest that someone did not search for long or choose carefully.
Er fragte einfach die nächstbeste Person nach dem Weg.
He simply asked the next person he came across for directions.
