first of all
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first of all
An adverb that emphasizes that something happens before everything else or is considered the most important thing. It means 'first and foremost' or 'in the first place'.
Zuallererst möchte ich mich bei Ihnen für die Einladung bedanken.
First of all, I would like to thank you for the invitation.
The word is a compound of 'zu', 'aller', and 'erst'. The part 'aller-' intensifies the statement and emphasizes that this point absolutely comes first.
Wir haben viel zu tun, aber zuallererst brauchen wir einen Plan.
We have a lot to do, but first of all we need a plan.
When 'zuallererst' (first of all) stands at the beginning of the sentence (position 1), the conjugated verb follows directly after it (position 2). This word order is called inversion.
Zuallererst müssen wir die Fakten prüfen.
First of all, we have to check the facts.
'Zuallererst' (first of all) is frequently used to begin a speech, a presentation, or a list of arguments. It signals the most important or first point to the listener or reader.
Um das Problem zu lösen, müssen wir zuallererst die Ursache analysieren.
To solve the problem, we first of all have to analyze the cause.
first / for now
'zunächst' and 'zuallererst' can both show that something comes at the beginning. However, 'zunächst' is more neutral and fits well when describing several steps one after another. It can also mean that something applies only for the moment. 'zuallererst' gives stronger emphasis: something really comes before everything else or is especially important. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with order. As a practical rule: for a normal first step, you often use 'zunächst'; for strong emphasis, you use 'zuallererst'.
Zuallererst müssen wir klären, ob alle die Aufgabe verstanden haben.
First of all, we need to clarify whether everyone has understood the task.
Am Morgen trinke ich zunächst ein Glas Wasser und lese dann meine Nachrichten.
In the morning, I first drink a glass of water and then read my messages.