“Only” in German: “erst,” “nur,” and “einzig”

Today, we’re tackling a tricky topic that often confuses learners of German – the differences between “erst,” “nur,” and “einzig.” These are three common translations for the English word “only,” but they are not interchangeable. Let’s dive into each one and understand their proper usage.

The Meaning of “einzig”

“Einzig” originates from “eins,” meaning “one.” This ig-suffix transforms it into an adjective, which most closely aligns with the English adjective “only” in phrases like:

Ich war die einzige Person im Raum.

I was the only person in the room.

This usage signifies exclusivity in a group or situation. Another example is:

Das einzige, was mich interessierte, war das Buch.

The only thing that interested me was the book.

Remember, “einzig” serves as an adjective and should be used whenever you have a phrasing similar to “the/my/your only something.”

The Meaning of “nur”

Unlike “einzig,” which functions as an adjective, “nur” is used more broadly. It traces its roots to the old German phrase “ni waere,” which means “if it weren’t for.” As language evolved, “nur” came to express limitations or conditions, offering translations for “only” in sentences like:

Ich habe nur einen Apfel gegessen.

I only ate one apple.

“Nur” emphasizes restriction or the idea of not much variety:

Ich trinke nur Wasser.

I only drink water.

It also conveys conditions and requirements:

Nur, wenn es nicht regnet, gehe ich spazieren.

Only if it doesn’t rain will I go for a walk.

The Meaning of “erst”

The German word “erst” is often translated to “first,” but its usage extends to situations where the speaker considers something as an ongoing process or “not much yet.” Here’s an example:

Ich habe erst mit dem Lernen begonnen.

I’ve only just begun studying.

In contrast to “nur,” which simply counts, “erst” implies that there’s more to come or that something is still early in its process:

Ich war erst zweimal in Hamburg.

I’ve only been to Hamburg twice (so far).

Distinguishing Between “erste” and “nur”

While both “erst” and “nur” translate to “only,” they carry different nuances. “Erst” discusses ongoing amounts or conditions, suggesting potential for more, whereas “nur” speaks in terms of finality or limited scope.

Example:

Mein Sohn war erst fünf Jahre alt, als er lesen lernte.

My son was only five years old when he learned to read.

In this sentence, “erst” is appropriate because it indicates an ongoing process of aging.

Practical Tips and Summary

To sum up:

• Use “einzig” when referring to “the/my/your only something.”
• Use “nur” to express restriction, limited variety, or conditions.
• Use “erst” when implying that something is still developing or ongoing.

Exercises

Test yourself with these sentences:

1. Ich habe ___ zwei Seiten gelesen. (nur/erst)
2. Sie ist die ___ Lehrerin an der Schule. (einziger/einzige/einziger)
3. Er war ___ sechs Jahre alt, als er schwimmen lernte. (nur/erst)

Answers:

1. erst
2. einzige
3. erst

That’s it for today’s lesson! Feel free to leave your questions and practice sentences in the comments. Happy learning, and until next time!