adjective
earlier, formerly
A1
Means 'earlier' or 'formerly'. Used both as an adverb ('I was there earlier') and adjectivally ('earlier version'). Common comparative is identical 'früher', superlative 'am frühesten'. It expresses prior time or past habitual states; not reflexive, takes no specific preposition. Regularly.
Examples
Früher gab es in der Stadt viele kleine Läden, obwohl später große Märkte eröffnet wurden.
Earlier there were many small shops in the town, although later large markets opened.
Kommst du früher, können wir zusammen essen.
If you come earlier, we can eat together.
Früher lebte er in einer anderen Stadt.
He used to live in another city.
Details
Mnemonics
Imagine a timeline where an arrow points to 'früher' (earlier).
Sounds like 'fewer' with a 'r' — think 'before' as earlier.
Notes
Often used as an adverb (earlier / formerly).