German bisher versus bislang: meaning and use

The idea

Use bisher for up to now or the reference point. Use bislang for up to now or the reference point, often more written. Read the complete sentence before choosing: the object, situation, time reference and relationship between speakers can determine the better expression. Where the meanings overlap, both can be possible with a different emphasis. The reference table states the senses taught here; other dictionary senses may require a different translation.

Patterns to compare

Expression	Meaning in comparison
bisher	„Bisher“ beschreibt den Verlauf bis zu einem Bezugszeitpunkt.
bislang	„Bislang“ hat in diesem Gebrauch dieselbe zeitliche Richtung.

Examples

• Bisher haben wir keine Rückmeldung erhalten.So far we have received no reply.
• Bislang liegen nur zwei Angebote vor.So far only two offers have been received.
• Der Plan hat bisher gut funktioniert.The plan has worked well so far.
• Bislang ist die Ursache unbekannt.The cause is unknown so far.
• Bisher reicht der Platz für alle Fahrräder.So far there is enough space for all the bicycles.
• Bislang hat niemand den Fund abgeholt.So far nobody has collected the found item.

Watch out

There is no reliable rule that one always refers to a longer period than the other.

Try it yourself

1. What does “bisher” mean in the first example sentence? Explain how it differs from the meaning of “bislang”.

   Show answer or example answer

   „Bisher“ beschreibt den Verlauf bis zu einem Bezugszeitpunkt. „Bislang“ hat in diesem Gebrauch dieselbe zeitliche Richtung.

   bisher matches up to now or the reference point; the German definition gives the intended sense.

2. Explain the choice of word in this sentence. What meaning would the other expression have? Bislang liegen nur zwei Angebote vor.

   Show answer or example answer

   bislang: „Bislang“ hat in diesem Gebrauch dieselbe zeitliche Richtung.

   Bislang liegen nur zwei Angebote vor. uses bislang for up to now or the reference point, often more written. The answer depends on this context, not only on the spelling of the word.

3. Write a separate sentence for each expression. Use “bisher” and “bislang” in different situations.

   Show answer or example answer

   Mögliche Lösungen: Der Plan hat bisher gut funktioniert. Bislang ist die Ursache unbekannt.

   The model pair keeps the meanings separate: bisher expresses up to now or the reference point, whereas bislang expresses up to now or the reference point, often more written. Other original sentences are possible if their context supports the chosen sense.

Use it today

Describe two real situations from your day, using bisher in one and bislang in the other. Underline the detail that makes the chosen meaning appropriate. If both expressions could fit, explain the change in emphasis rather than marking the alternative automatically wrong.