adverb
ehemals
formerly
Früher oder in der Vergangenheit; heute nicht mehr so.
The German word "ehemals" is an adverb meaning "formerly" or "formerly known as".
- It is derived from "ehe", meaning "before" or "previously".
- The suffix "-mals" here indicates a point or instance in time.
Similar words:
- früher – earlier, in the past
- vormals – formerly, previously
Difference:
- "ehemals" often emphasizes a former status or identity (e.g., "ehemals König" — formerly king),
- while "früher" is more general for earlier times, and
- "vormals" is more formal or literary in tone.
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Examples
Das Gebäude war ehemals eine Schule.adverb
The building was formerly a school.
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