Meaning
The first to arrive or act receives priority.
Cultural Background
In Germany, this proverb is often used to justify the 'Warteschlange' (queue) culture. Cutting in line is considered very rude and will often be met with this phrase. In Austrian markets, the phrase is used similarly but sometimes with a more humorous tone, reflecting the 'Wiener Schmäh' (Viennese humor). The Swiss value of precision extends to arrival times. Being exactly on time is often considered 'late' if you want the best selection.
Spelling check
Always remember the 'h' in 'mahlt'. It comes from 'die Mühle' (the mill).
Don't use for people
Don't use this to describe people being processed in a medical or sensitive context; it can sound cold.
Meaning
The first to arrive or act receives priority.
Spelling check
Always remember the 'h' in 'mahlt'. It comes from 'die Mühle' (the mill).
Don't use for people
Don't use this to describe people being processed in a medical or sensitive context; it can sound cold.
Marketing usage
If you see this in an ad, it means 'while supplies last'. Act fast!
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing verb.
Wer zuerst kommt, ______ zuerst.
The verb is 'mahlen' (to grind), which is spelled with an 'h'.
In which situation is this proverb most appropriate?
You are giving away free samples of {der|m} Käse.
The proverb explains that those who arrived first got the limited resource.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct proverb form:
The verb 'kommt' must be at the end of the first clause.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Ich wollte auch ein Ticket, aber sie sind ausverkauft!' B: 'Tja, ________.'
This is the appropriate response for missing out on a limited item due to lateness.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWer zuerst kommt, ______ zuerst.
The verb is 'mahlen' (to grind), which is spelled with an 'h'.
You are giving away free samples of {der|m} Käse.
The proverb explains that those who arrived first got the limited resource.
Choose the correct proverb form:
The verb 'kommt' must be at the end of the first clause.
A: 'Ich wollte auch ein Ticket, aber sie sind ausverkauft!' B: 'Tja, ________.'
This is the appropriate response for missing out on a limited item due to lateness.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsIt is 'mahlt' with an 'h'. 'Malt' means 'paints', while 'mahlt' means 'grinds' (like grain in a mill).
Yes, if you are explaining a first-come-first-served policy for a workshop or event, it is perfectly acceptable.
No, it's usually seen as a neutral statement of fact about how things work.
There isn't a direct opposite proverb, but 'Die Letzten werden die Ersten sein' (The last shall be first) is a biblical phrase sometimes used in contrast.
While you can 'mahlen' coffee, the proverb historically refers to grain mills.
In the full grammatical form 'Wer zuerst kommt, der mahlt zuerst', the 'der' is a resumptive pronoun. In the proverb, it is almost always dropped.
Related Phrases
Der frühe Vogel fängt den Wurm.
similarThe early bird catches the worm.
Wer zu spät kommt, den bestraft das Leben.
contrastLife punishes those who arrive too late.
Zuerst die Arbeit, dann das Vergnügen.
builds onWork first, then play.
