nofrüher

Nofrüher is a German word that translates to "not earlier" or "no sooner." It is a common phrase used in everyday German conversation and writing to indicate that something will not happen before a specific time or event. The word is typically used to set a temporal boundary, implying that the action or event in question will occur at or after the mentioned point.

For example, if someone says "Ich komme nofrüher als 8 Uhr" (I will not come earlier than 8 o'clock), it means they will arrive at 8 o'clock or later. The phrase emphasizes a minimum or a starting point in time. It can also be used in a more nuanced way, sometimes implying a slight reluctance to do something before the specified time, or simply stating a factual constraint.

The word "nofrüher" is a contraction of "nicht früher," literally meaning "not earlier." Its usage is straightforward and its meaning is generally unambiguous within the context of a sentence. It is a practical term that helps to precisely define temporal relationships in German communication. The opposite of "nofrüher" would be "früher" (earlier), indicating a possibility of something happening before a certain point.