Meaning
To be completely ready and engaged for an event or task.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the German value of being 'einsatzbereit' (ready for action). Even in slang, the focus is on being prepared. While understood, Austrians might use 'dabei sein' or 'mit von der Partie sein' more frequently in semi-formal contexts. Swiss German speakers use 'am Start sii', but it is heavily influenced by High German media and youth culture. In the German-speaking gaming world, 'am Start' is the standard way to check if players are ready in the lobby.
The 'Voll' Multiplier
Always add 'voll' if you want to sound like a native speaker who is genuinely excited. It's the difference between 'I'm coming' and 'I'm SO there!'
Not for Machines
Don't say your computer is 'am Start'. Use 'bereit' or 'hochgefahren' instead.
Meaning
To be completely ready and engaged for an event or task.
The 'Voll' Multiplier
Always add 'voll' if you want to sound like a native speaker who is genuinely excited. It's the difference between 'I'm coming' and 'I'm SO there!'
Not for Machines
Don't say your computer is 'am Start'. Use 'bereit' or 'hochgefahren' instead.
Regional Use
In Northern Germany, you might hear it more often than in the very traditional parts of Bavaria.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to say you are ready for the party.
Ich bin heute Abend bei {der|f} Party voll ___ ___.
The idiom is fixed with 'am Start'.
Which sentence is appropriate for a casual chat with friends?
Asking if someone is coming to the cinema:
'Am Start sein' is the most natural slang for this situation.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Wir treffen uns um 19 Uhr.' B: 'Alles klar, ___ ___ ___ ___.'
'Ich bin am Start' means 'I'll be there/I'm ready'.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are highly motivated to start a new project with your team.
This expresses high motivation and readiness.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch bin heute Abend bei {der|f} Party voll ___ ___.
The idiom is fixed with 'am Start'.
Asking if someone is coming to the cinema:
'Am Start sein' is the most natural slang for this situation.
A: 'Wir treffen uns um 19 Uhr.' B: 'Alles klar, ___ ___ ___ ___.'
'Ich bin am Start' means 'I'll be there/I'm ready'.
Situation: You are highly motivated to start a new project with your team.
This expresses high motivation and readiness.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsOnly if you have a very casual relationship and work in a creative or young industry. In a bank? No.
No, it's for any activity: sports, work projects, gaming, or even just meeting for a coffee.
There isn't a direct slang opposite like 'am Ziel sein'. Usually, you just say 'nicht am Start sein'.
Yes, but 'bereit sein' is neutral and 'am Start sein' is cool and energetic.
Yes, 'Ich war am Start', but it's much more common in the present or future.
No, 'am Start haben' means to have something (like money or a car) ready.
Not rude, just very informal. It's like saying 'I'm down' in English.
People between the ages of 15 and 40.
No, that sounds like you are currently beginning a process (like a computer). Use the fixed idiom.
No, but it's very common to emphasize your enthusiasm.
Related Phrases
am Start haben
similarTo have something ready or available.
dabei sein
synonymTo be part of something.
bereitstehen
similarTo stand ready.
am Ball bleiben
builds onTo keep at it / stay focused.
