zuerst
first
Indicates the first action in a chronological sequence; first of all.
EXAMPLE
Zuerst putzen wir die Küche und danach sehen wir einen Film.
First we clean the kitchen, and after that we watch a film.
zuerst
first / at first
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Meanings
zuerst
at first
Describes an initial state or an original opinion that later changed; initially.
EXAMPLE
Zuerst wollte ich nicht mitkommen, aber dann habe ich meine Meinung geändert.
At first I didn't want to come along, but then I changed my mind.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'zuerst' (first / at first) is made up of the preposition 'zu' and the numeral 'erst' (from 'erste', first). It literally means 'as the first thing' or 'at the beginning'.
EXAMPLE
Wer zuerst kommt, bekommt den besten Platz.
Whoever comes first gets the best seat.
Sentence position
When 'zuerst' (first / at first) stands at the beginning of the sentence (position 1), the verb follows directly after it in position 2. However, the adverb can also stand in the middle of the sentence after the verb and subject.
EXAMPLE
Zuerst trinken wir einen Kaffee.
First we drink a coffee.
Typical sequence
To describe a chronological sequence of actions, 'zuerst' (first) is very often combined with adverbs like 'dann' (then) or 'danach' (after that). This pattern structures a story clearly.
EXAMPLE
Zuerst machen wir die Hausaufgaben, dann gehen wir spielen.
First we do the homework, then we go play.
Context clue
In the meaning of 'anfangs' (initially), 'zuerst' (at first) is often used to express a contrast. A signal for this is a following conjunction like 'aber' (but) or 'doch' (after all / however), which introduces a change of mind or a change of plan.
EXAMPLE
Zuerst fand ich den Film langweilig, aber am Ende war er doch sehr spannend.
At first I found the film boring, but in the end it was actually very exciting.
Compare with
zuerst vs erst
only / not until / first
Erst and zuerst can both refer to the first action in a sequence. Zuerst indicates the order neutrally; erst often emphasizes more strongly that the second action is possible or intended only after the first. Without this emphasis, zuerst is usually the clearer choice.
zuerst
Zuerst bezahlst du die Rechnung, danach legst du den Beleg in den Ordner.
First you pay the bill, and afterward you put the receipt in the folder.
erst
Erst bezahlst du die Rechnung, dann erhältst du die Ware.
First you pay the bill, and then you receive the goods.
In real life
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