In German
erste
Meaning: first
Example sentences
DasistmeinersterTag.
This is my first day.
SiewardieerstePersonhier.
She was the first person here.
WirsinddieErsteninderSchlange.
We're the first in line.
Grammar note
“Erste” is an ordinal number and takes adjective endings that match gender, case and number: “der erste Tag” (masculine), “die erste Person” (feminine), “das erste Mal” (neuter).
Common mistake
Don't use the cardinal number “eins” (one) where you need the ordinal “erste” (first) — “mein eins Tag” is wrong; it must be “mein erster Tag”.
Quick check
Which German word means “first”?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
How do you say “the first time”?
“Das erste Mal”, neuter ending.
What's the difference between “eins” and “erste”?
“Eins” is the cardinal number one; “erste” is the ordinal, first.