B2 Expression Neutre

eins nach dem anderen

one thing at a time

Signification

To deal with tasks or issues individually, in a sequential manner.

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Contexte culturel

Reflects the 'Ordnung muss sein' (Order must be) mentality. Doing things out of order is seen as unprofessional. In Swiss German culture, this phrase is linked to 'Pünktlichkeit' (punctuality) and precision. Each step must be perfect. While Austrians are often seen as more 'gemütlich' (relaxed), this phrase is still used to maintain social order in busy cafes. In international German-speaking companies, this phrase is used to push back against 'multitasking' trends from Silicon Valley.

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Use it to set boundaries

If someone is pressuring you, this phrase is a polite but firm way to say 'Wait your turn'.

⚠️

Don't over-pronounce 'eines'

Saying 'eines' instead of 'eins' can make you sound like a 19th-century novel.

Signification

To deal with tasks or issues individually, in a sequential manner.

🎯

Use it to set boundaries

If someone is pressuring you, this phrase is a polite but firm way to say 'Wait your turn'.

⚠️

Don't over-pronounce 'eines'

Saying 'eines' instead of 'eins' can make you sound like a 19th-century novel.

💬

The 'Ruhe' factor

Germans value 'Ruhe' (peace/quiet). This phrase helps maintain it in stressful times.

Teste-toi

Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.

Beruhig dich bitte! Erzähl mir alles eins ____ ____ ____.

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : nach dem anderen

The fixed phrase is 'eins nach dem anderen'.

Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a professional context?

A: Wir müssen alle {die|f} Projekte eins nach dem anderen löschen. B: Wir müssen alle {die|f} Projekte eins nach dem anderen bearbeiten.

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : B

'Bearbeiten' (to process/work on) makes more sense in a professional context than 'löschen' (to delete).

Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.

Situation: A waiter is overwhelmed by five customers calling him at once.

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Eins nach dem anderen!

The waiter needs to signal that he will help everyone in sequence.

Complete the dialogue.

A: 'Kannst du mir beim {der|m} Umzug helfen, das {das|n} Auto waschen und den {der|m} Hund füttern?' B: 'Gern, aber ____.'

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : eins nach dem anderen

B is willing to help but needs to do the tasks sequentially.

🎉 Score : /4

Aides visuelles

When to use 'Eins nach dem anderen'

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Work

  • Emails
  • Reports
  • Meetings
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Home

  • Cooking
  • Cleaning
  • Kids
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Social

  • Ordering drinks
  • Telling stories

Banque d exercices

4 exercices
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom. Fill Blank A2

Beruhig dich bitte! Erzähl mir alles eins ____ ____ ____.

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : nach dem anderen

The fixed phrase is 'eins nach dem anderen'.

Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a professional context? Choose B1

A: Wir müssen alle {die|f} Projekte eins nach dem anderen löschen. B: Wir müssen alle {die|f} Projekte eins nach dem anderen bearbeiten.

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : B

'Bearbeiten' (to process/work on) makes more sense in a professional context than 'löschen' (to delete).

Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation. situation_matching B1

Situation: A waiter is overwhelmed by five customers calling him at once.

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : Eins nach dem anderen!

The waiter needs to signal that he will help everyone in sequence.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion B2

A: 'Kannst du mir beim {der|m} Umzug helfen, das {das|n} Auto waschen und den {der|m} Hund füttern?' B: 'Gern, aber ____.'

✓ Correct ! ✗ Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte : eins nach dem anderen

B is willing to help but needs to do the tasks sequentially.

🎉 Score : /4

Questions fréquentes

5 questions

Only if you are specifically referring to feminine nouns in a physical line (like {die|f} Flaschen), but for general tasks, always use the neuter 'eins nach dem anderen'.

It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.

'Schritt für Schritt' is for a long process (like learning a language), while 'eins nach dem anderen' is for a list of immediate tasks.

Yes, if people are waiting in line, you can say 'Bitte treten Sie eins nach dem anderen ein.'

Yes, dropping the 'e' in 'anderen' is very common in spoken German.

Expressions liées

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Schritt für Schritt

similar

Step by step

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Nach und nach

similar

Gradually / bit by bit

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Gleichzeitig

contrast

Simultaneously

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Nacheinander

synonym

One after another

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