Log in Start learning
Illustration of the A1 German word “erste”, which translates to “the first (ordinal)”. A runner breaking through a glowing golden ribbon at the finish line, arms raised in triumph, far ahead of everyone else on the sunlit track.
Learn this word for free

erste is one of the A1 words in the free course — with this picture, the audio, and spaced repetition.

erste

the first (ordinal)

/ˈeːɐ̯stə/

Examples — erste in a sentence

Heute ist der erste Mai.

Today is the first of May.

Er ist der erste im Rennen.

He is the first in the race.

How to remember it

ERSTE sounds like 'err-stir.' 'Err, stir the pot *first*!'

More A1 words

Illustration of the A1 German word “gelb”, which translates to “yellow”. A sunny field of bright yellow sunflowers turning their faces towards the sun.
gelb

/ɡɛlp/

Tap to see details

yellow

Comparative Forms

Positive gelb
Komparativ gelber
Superlativ am gelbsten

Examples

Die Sonne ist heute sehr gelb.

The sun is very yellow today.

Er hat ein gelbes T-Shirt.

He has a yellow T-shirt.

Ask ChatGPT
Illustration of the A1 German word “gestern”, which translates to “yesterday”. A page torn from a calendar drifting away on the wind, and where it floats a trail of faded golden footprints lingers in the air behind it.
gestern

/ˈɡɛstɐn/

yesterday

Examples

Ich war gestern im Kino.

I was yesterday at the cinema.

Gestern hatte ich viel Arbeit.

Yesterday I had a lot of work.

Ask ChatGPT
Illustration of the A1 German word “grau”, which translates to “grey”. Close-up of a soft fluffy grey cat curled asleep on a windowsill under a grey wool blanket, the sleeping grey cat filling the frame.
grau

/ɡʁaʊ̯/

grey

Comparative Forms

Positive grau
Komparativ grauer
Superlativ am grauesten

Examples

Der Himmel ist heute grau.

The sky is grey today.

Sie hat eine graue Katze.

She has a grey cat.

Ask ChatGPT
Illustration of the A1 German word “grün”, which translates to “green”. Lush green meadows stretching to a dense forest, wildflowers scattered across th
grün

/ɡʁyːn/

green

Comparative Forms

Positive grün
Komparativ grüner
Superlativ am grünsten

Examples

Der Apfel ist grün.

The apple is green.

Ich mag grüne Autos nicht.

I don't like green cars.

Ask ChatGPT
Illustration of the A1 German word “die Hand”, which translates to “hand”. A tiny determined gnome leaps with all his might to high-five an enormous friendly hand reaching down from the clouds, face scrunched in effort, fingertips barely brushing the giant glowing palm.
die Hand

/hant/

hand

Examples

Sie hält ihre Hand in den warmen Regen.

She holds her hand in the warm rain.

Er gab mir die Hand zur Begrüßung.

He gave me his hand in greeting.

Ask ChatGPT
Illustration of the A1 German word “der Husten”, which translates to “cough”. A person bundled in a warm blanket, a cup of tea on a nightstand, coughing softl
der Husten

/ˈhuːstn̩/

cough

Examples

Ich habe starken Husten.

I have a strong cough.

Der Husten ist sehr nervig.

The cough is very annoying.

Ask ChatGPT
View this word →
1 / 6

gelb — yellow

gelbgesterngraugrünHandHustenAll German word pages

Start learning German.
For real this time.

Personalized study plan, exercises, and the full 8-unit A1 course. A1 free forever — plus 14 days of full access, no card needed.

Start A1 free