nächst

Nächst is a German stem and prefix used to express immediacy or sequence, conveying the sense of “next” or “nearest.” It appears primarily in compounds and fixed expressions rather than as a freely standing adjective in everyday speech.

In compounds, nächst- forms adjectives that denote closeness or the following item. Examples include nächstgelegene (closest), and often the stem is combined with a following element that carries standard German endings, yielding forms like nächstgelegene, nächstbeste, and similar constructions. The prefix is typically written as nächst- in compounds, with the rest of the word bearing normal inflection.

In fixed phrases and nominalized uses, nächst- appears as das Nächste or als Nächstes. Das Nächste means “the next thing,” while Als Nächstes is a common introductory phrase in presentations or outlines, equivalent to “Next” or “Up next.” These usages are especially common in written text, menus, slides, and public speaking.

Grammatical note: When nächst- appears as part of a longer, attributive adjective before a noun, standard German adjective endings apply, for example der nächste Tag, die nächste Woche, das nächste Mal. The stem nächst- itself is most productive in compounds and fixed phrases rather than as an independent adjective in ordinary speech.

Frequency and register: Nächst is well established in formal and written German, particularly in technical, organizational, or literary contexts. In everyday conversation, speakers often rely on the full forms such as nächste or the surrounding context without relying on the nächst- prefix.

See also: nächste, nächstes, das Nächste.