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How to Say ‘For now’ in German

Erst mal

airst mahl

[airst mahl]

Phrase Breakdown

Erst

[airst]

first

With 'mal' it means 'for now' or 'first of all'.

Example

Erst mal essen wir.

First, let's eat.

mal

[mahl]

(softener)

Filler particle; 'erst mal' means 'for the time being'.

Example

Warte erst mal.

Just wait for now.

Guides for German learners

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