This is the 161st most frequent Dutch word.
al
"Al" in Dutch means "already" or "all."
Here, 'al' introduces a subordinate clause and functions similarly to 'even though,' expressing contrast.
Al is het laat, we blijven nog even.
Even though it is late, we will stay a bit longer.
In this sentence, 'al' means 'already,' indicating that the action (being done with homework) is completed earlier than expected.
Ik ben al klaar met mijn huiswerk.
I am already done with my homework.
In this usage, 'al' functions as a quantifier, meaning 'all,' referring to the totality of the books.