01
zuletzt
last / lastly
In the last position in a sequence or at the end of a period of time.
example
Zuerst hat er aufgeräumt, dann gekocht und zuletzt ferngesehen.
First he cleaned up, then cooked, and lastly watched TV.
zuletzt
last / recently
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Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Word structure
'Zuletzt' is a compound of the preposition 'zu' and the adjective 'letzt' (letzte, letzter, letztes). It therefore describes what happens at the 'last' point in time or in the 'last' position.
EXAMPLE
Die letzte Prüfung war die schwierigste.
The last exam was the most difficult.
Context clue
The meaning of 'zuletzt' depends on the context. Does it describe the last step in a sequence, often with 'zuerst' (first) or 'dann' (then)? Or does it describe the last point in the past when something happened?
EXAMPLE
Zuerst die Arbeit, dann das Vergnügen und zuletzt die Ruhe.
First work, then pleasure, and last of all rest.
Sentence position
When 'zuletzt' stands at the beginning of a sentence to mark the last point in a list, the verb follows directly after it (inversion).
EXAMPLE
Zuerst aßen wir, dann tanzten wir. Zuletzt saßen wir noch lange zusammen.
First we ate, then we danced. Lastly, we sat together for a long time.
Fixed expression
The expression 'nicht zuletzt' (not least) does not mean 'not at the end'. It is used to emphasize a final but especially important reason or aspect.
EXAMPLE
Er ist ein guter Kollege, nicht zuletzt wegen seiner Hilfsbereitschaft.
He is a good colleague, not least because of his willingness to help.
Compare with
zuletzt vs letzt
last
'letzt' and 'zuletzt' both have to do with the end or with the last time. The most important difference is grammar. 'letzt' is an adjective and usually comes before a noun, for example 'der letzte Bus' (the last bus) or 'letzte Woche' (last week). 'zuletzt' is an adverb and describes when or at what point something happens: 'Zuletzt haben wir bezahlt.' (Lastly, we paid.) Learners can easily confuse the words because their meanings are similar. Remember: before a noun, it is usually 'letzte/letzter/letztes'; without a noun, as a time or sequence marker, it is usually 'zuletzt'.
zuletzt
Zuletzt haben wir die Küche aufgeräumt.
Lastly, we cleaned up the kitchen.
letzt
Der letzte Zug fährt heute schon um zehn Uhr.
The last train leaves at ten o'clock today already.
In real life
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