erstmals

for the first time

adverb AYRST-mahls Common

Usage Note

erstmals is a formal, written-register adverb meaning 'for the first time', common in news and history. In everyday speech people say zum ersten Mal instead. It builds on erst ('first').

Examples

"Er besuchte erstmals die Stadt."

Natural Translation

He visited the city for the first time.

Literal Translation

He visited for-the-first-time the city.

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