Meaning
To deal with tasks or issues individually, in a sequential manner.
Cultural Background
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.
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.
Meaning
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.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Beruhig dich bitte! Erzähl mir alles eins ____ ____ ____.
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.
'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.
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 ____.'
B is willing to help but needs to do the tasks sequentially.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Eins nach dem anderen'
Work
- • Emails
- • Reports
- • Meetings
Home
- • Cooking
- • Cleaning
- • Kids
Social
- • Ordering drinks
- • Telling stories
Practice Bank
4 exercisesBeruhig dich bitte! Erzähl mir alles eins ____ ____ ____.
The fixed phrase is 'eins nach dem anderen'.
A: Wir müssen alle {die|f} Projekte eins nach dem anderen löschen. B: Wir müssen alle {die|f} Projekte eins nach dem anderen bearbeiten.
'Bearbeiten' (to process/work on) makes more sense in a professional context than 'löschen' (to delete).
Situation: A waiter is overwhelmed by five customers calling him at once.
The waiter needs to signal that he will help everyone in sequence.
A: 'Kannst du mir beim {der|m} Umzug helfen, das {das|n} Auto waschen und den {der|m} Hund füttern?' B: 'Gern, aber ____.'
B is willing to help but needs to do the tasks sequentially.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsOnly 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.
Related Phrases
Schritt für Schritt
similarStep by step
Nach und nach
similarGradually / bit by bit
Gleichzeitig
contrastSimultaneously
Nacheinander
synonymOne after another
