früh

Früh is a German word meaning early. It functions as an adjective and an adverb and is used to indicate that something occurs at the beginning of a period or before other events. In everyday use it appears in many time-related expressions, such as früh am Morgen (early in the morning), früh aufstehen (to get up early), and frühzeitig (early, in good time). It also forms the basis of various compound terms and nouns, including Frühstück (breakfast), Frühling (spring), and Frühjahrsputz (spring cleaning). The word can also serve as a productive prefix in other formations, reinforcing the sense of timeliness or precedence.

Etymology and linguistic notes: Früh derives from Old High German frūh, itself from Proto-Germanic roots. It has cognates in other West Germanic languages, reflecting a shared Germanic heritage for the concept of “early.” The sense of time and sequence carried by Früh is retained across these languages and diverse Germanic dialects.

Usage in names and branding: Beyond its general meaning, Früh appears as a surname in German-speaking regions. It also appears in branding and marketing to convey immediacy or availability, such as promotional phrases that emphasize early booking or early access.

Overall, Früh is a core German term tied to notions of time, punctuality, and the beginning of a sequence, and it remains widely used across spoken and written German in both everyday and formal contexts.