The German word "erst" can be tricky for learners, as it has multiple meanings and functions. It can indicate time, quantity, sequence, and exclusivity, often carrying nuances that differ from English translations. Understanding its various uses will significantly improve your fluency and comprehension.
What does "erst" mean and how do you use it?
Grammatically, "erst" can either be used as an adverb or a modal particle in German with different meanings and connotations.
1. "Erst" for Temporal Indications (Not Before a Certain Time)
One of the most common uses of "erst" is to indicate that something happens later than expected or after a specific point in time.
📍 Examples:
Ich komme erst um 21 Uhr nach Hause. (I won't come home until 9 PM.)
Der nächste Bus kommt erst viel später. (The next bus arrives only much later.)
📝 Key takeaway: "Erst" suggests delay or lateness, emphasizing that an event hasn't happened yet but will in the future.
2. "Erst" vs. "Schon" – Understanding the Contrast
The words "erst" and "schon" express opposite perspectives on time and quantity:
German | English | Implication |
Es ist erst 10 Uhr. | It’s only 10 o’clock. | It’s still early. |
Es ist schon 10 Uhr. | It’s already 10 o’clock. | It’s later than expected. |
📍 More examples:
Ich bin erst 25 Jahre alt. (I’m only 25 years old.) → I’m still young.
Ich bin schon 25 Jahre alt. (I’m already 25 years old.) → I feel older than expected.
📝 Key takeaway: Use "erst" when something feels early or incomplete, and "schon" when it feels late or accomplished.
3. "Erst" vs. "Nur" – "Only" in German
Both "erst" and "nur" translate to "only" in English, but their meanings differ:
German | English | Meaning |
Ich habe erst fünf Seiten gelesen. | I’ve only read five pages so far. | Suggests more reading will happen. |
Ich habe nur fünf Euro. | I only have five euros. | Suggests a limitation – no more money is available. |
In German, "erst" and "nur" both convey a sense of restriction or limitation, but they are used in different contexts and carry slightly different nuances:
"Erst" typically means "only" or "not until" in temporal contexts. It emphasises that an action or event occurs after a certain point in time.
Example: "Ich kann erst um 10 Uhr kommen." (I can only come at 10 o'clock.)
""Nur" also means "only" but is more general and versatile. It can restrict or limit the scope of something, regardless of time.
Example: "Ich habe nur wenig Geld." (I have only a little money.)
"Nur" can also emphasize the exclusivity or scarcity of something.
Example: "Dieses Angebot gilt nur heute." (This offer is only valid today.)
📍 Key difference:
"Erst" implies something will increase over time.
"Nur" emphasises a restriction or limitation.
4. "Erst" for Sequential Actions (First… Then…)
"Erst" can indicate that one action must happen before another. It functions like "first" or "not until" in English.
📍 Examples:
Ich muss erst meine Hausaufgaben machen, dann kann ich fernsehen.(I must first do my homework, then I can watch TV.)
Erst wenn du fertig bist, können wir gehen.(Only when you’re finished can we leave.)
📝 Key takeaway: "Erst" sets the order of actions, showing what needs to happen first before something else can occur.
5. "Erst" to Express Exclusivity or Realisation
"Erst" can also emphasise that something is only understood or appreciated after experiencing it firsthand.
📍 Examples:
Dieses Gefühl versteht man erst, wenn man es selbst erlebt hat.(You only understand this feeling once you’ve experienced it yourself.)
Erst jetzt merke ich, wie wichtig das war.(Only now do I realize how important that was.)
📝 Key takeaway: "Erst" in these cases highlights that something happens only under specific conditions or after the fact.
6. "Erst" When Talking About Age
When used in age-related contexts, "erst" implies that something happens later than expected or that someone is still young for a particular action.
📍 Examples:
Er konnte erst mit fünf Jahren sprechen.(He could only speak at five years old.)
Sie ist erst 18 und schon so talentiert!(She’s only 18 and already so talented!)
📝 Key takeaway: "Erst" emphasizes that something happened later or that an age is young relative to expectations.
7. Common German Expressions with "Erst"
"Erst die Arbeit, dann das Vergnügen."
(First work, then pleasure.) – A classic German saying about priorities.
"Das ist erst der Anfang."
(This is only the beginning.) – Used when something significant is yet to come.
"Erst recht!"
(Even more so! / All the more reason!) – Used to reinforce a statement.
Final Thoughts
Understanding "erst" is essential for mastering temporal expressions, sequences, exclusivity, and emphasis in German. It plays a crucial role in distinguishing between "early" vs. "late," "only" vs. "already," and "first" vs. "later."
💡 Tip: Practice using "erst" by forming sentences about time, age, and priorities in your daily conversations.
📢 Have you struggled with using "erst" correctly? Do you have any example sentences? Share them in the comments! 🚀
On my German language blog, you'll find posts on every aspect of the German language- from the most common attributes in German, explanations of how to use the dative case in German and genitive case in German to how words are formed in the German language.
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