neu
new
Describes something that was recently made, acquired, or created and has not yet been used, or has hardly been used.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe mir ein neues Fahrrad gekauft.
I bought myself a new bicycle.
neu
new
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Meanings
neu
new
Refers to something that is different from before or represents a change.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Umzug beginnt für uns ein neues Leben.
After the move, a new life begins for us.
neu
new
Describes a person, thing, or situation that is unfamiliar or unknown.
EXAMPLE
Er ist neu in der Stadt und kennt sich noch nicht aus.
He is new in town and does not know his way around yet.
von Neuem
anew
A fixed expression that means 'once again from the beginning.'
EXAMPLE
Der erste Versuch ist gescheitert, also fangen wir noch einmal von Neuem an.
The first attempt failed, so we are starting again from the beginning.
Usage tips
Part of compounds
'Neu' (new) is a very productive component of compound words. It is often found at the beginning of nouns and adjectives, where it always carries the meaning of 'new'.
EXAMPLE
Ein Neuanfang ist oft schwierig, aber auch eine große Chance.
A fresh start is often difficult, but also a big opportunity.
Intensification
To emphasize that something is absolutely new and unused, you can use the colloquial intensifiers 'brandneu' (brand-new) or 'nagelneu' (brand-new / spick-and-span new).
EXAMPLE
Er hat sich ein brandneues Motorrad gekauft.
He bought himself a brand-new motorcycle.
Typical combinations
To express that a person has only recently become part of a group or arrived at a place, 'neu' (new) is often used with the preposition 'in' (+ dative). Typical phrases are 'neu im Team' (new on the team) or 'neu in der Stadt' (new in town).
EXAMPLE
Unsere Nachbarin ist neu im Haus und kennt noch niemanden.
Our neighbor is new in the building and does not know anyone yet.
Fixed expression
The expression 'von Neuem' is a fixed expression that means 'once again from the beginning.' It is used as an adverb and is not declined.
EXAMPLE
Sein Vortrag war so schlecht, dass er ihn von Neuem vorbereiten muss.
His presentation was so bad that he has to prepare it again from scratch.
Compare with
neu vs letzt
last
The „neueste Version“ is the version that was created or released only a short time ago. The „letzte Version“ is at the end of a series or is the immediately previous one, so it does not have to be the latest version available.
neu
Bitte installiere die neueste Version, die heute veröffentlicht wurde.
Please install the latest version, which was released today.
letzt
Bitte prüfe die letzte Version, bevor heute die neue erscheint.
Please check the last version before the new one is released today.
In real life
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