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adjectiveadverb

früh

early

Etwas passiert am Anfang des Tages oder zu einem sehr zeitigen Zeitpunkt.

Definition & meaning

The German word früh functions primarily as an adverb or adjective and has two main meanings:

  1. Early (in time): Referring to something happening at the beginning of a period of time, such as the beginning of the day, a season, or a lifespan.

    • Example: "Ich stehe früh auf." (I wake up early.)
    • Example: "Das ist eine frühe Entscheidung." (That is an early decision.)

  2. Premature: Referring to something that happens before the expected or scheduled time.

    • Example: "Sein früher Tod war ein Schock." (His premature death was a shock.)

Grammar & Word origin

  • Grammar: As an adjective, it is declined based on the noun it modifies (e.g., der frühe Vogel, ein frühes Treffen). As an adverb, it remains uninflected.
  • Origin: The word stems from the Old High German fruo, which meant "early" or "tomorrow." It is related to the English word "fro" and shares a Germanic root with the concept of moving forward or towards the beginning of something.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • bald (soon)
  • zeitig (timely/early)
  • frühzeitig (premature/early)

Antonyms:

  • spät (late)
  • verspätet (delayed/belated)

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Examples

Der Zug kommt heute früh an.adverb

The train arrives early today.

Sie wacht immer früh auf.adverb

She always wakes up early.

Das Geschäft öffnet sehr früh.adverb

The shop opens very early.

Er wacht jeden Tag früh auf.adverb

He wakes up early every day.

Er wacht früh am Morgen auf.adverb

He wakes up early in the morning.

Der frühe Bus ist schon voll.adjective

The early bus is already full.

Der frühe Vogel singt laut im Garten.adjective

The early bird sings loudly in the garden.

Die frühe Stunde ist still und schön.adjective

The early hour is quiet and beautiful.

Wir machen einen frühen Spaziergang im Park.adjective

We are taking an early walk in the park.

Heute stehe ich sehr früh auf.adverb

Today I get up very early.

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