bereits
already
Dieses Wort sagt, dass etwas früher oder jetzt passiert ist, nicht erst später.
Definition & meaning
The German adverb "bereits" is used to indicate that an action or event has happened earlier than expected, or that it has already taken place in relation to a specific point in time. It conveys a sense of completion or anticipation.
- Already/As early as: Used to express that something has occurred before a certain time or is finished.
- Example: "Ich bin bereits fertig." (I am already finished.)
- As early as (temporal focus): Used to emphasize the earliness of a point in time.
- Example: "Bereits im 19. Jahrhundert wurde das erfunden." (It was invented as early as the 19th century.)
Grammar & Word origin
"Bereits" is an adverb and does not change its form (indeclinable). It is derived from the Middle High German "bereit" (ready/prepared). The suffix "-s" acts as an adverbial genitive, a common way in German to form adverbs from adjectives. The etymological root is linked to the word "bereit" , meaning ready or prepared.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
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Examples
Ich habe bereits gegessen.adverb
I have already eaten.
Die Veranstaltung hat bereits begonnen.adverb
The event has already started.
Das Paket ist bereits angekommen.adverb
The package has already arrived.
Er hat bereits seine Hausaufgaben erledigt.adverb
He has already finished his homework.
Er arbeitet bereits an seinem Projekt.adverb
He is already working on his project.
Die Katze ist bereits im Haus.adverb
The cat is already in the house.
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