früher

Based on: früh
Goethe A1 Adverb
  1. earlier
  2. back in the day
1.

earlier

Opposite: später
(In comparisons.)
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Examples
  • Die Sonne geht im Sommer früher auf als im Winter.
  • The sun rises earlier in summer than in winter.
2.

back in the day

Opposite: heutzutage
(If not used in a comparison, "früher" refers WAY back into the past. It's a common mistake to use it for "earlier today".)
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Examples
  • Früher war alles besser.
  • Back in the day, everything was better.
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Sources for Etymology:

My Articles

Time 4.2 – Words for the Past

We'll go over the most important German time adverbs that refer to the various points in the past. Also: what you think "früher" is and what it actually is :)

Vocab: gerade, vorhin, kürzlich, vor kurzem, früher,ebe

Read article →

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How many meanings does the German word 'früher' have?

früher has 2 distinct meanings: 1. earlier, 2. back in the day.

What is 'früher' related to?

The word 'früher' is related to früh.

Where can I learn more about 'früher'?

Here are some articles where you can learn more about 'früher':

Time 4.2 – Words for the Past
We'll go over the most important German time adverbs that refer to the various points in the past. Also: what you think "früher" is and what it actually is :)
Vocab: gerade, vorhin, kürzlich, vor kurzem, früher,ebe
Read article