Jahre
Jahre is the German plural form for the English word years.
Jahre refers to multiple periods of 365 days. The diminutive Jährchen can be used to add a sense of endearment or fondness to the description of 'years.'
Which one should you use?
If you are referring to a formal period of ten years, the term Dekade is used instead. For the singular form, use Jahr.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is Jahr. The plural is Jahre. However, in the dative case, for example, when used after the preposition seit (meaning since or for), the plural form changes by adding an -n to become Jahren.
Did you know?
- If a German speaker refers to someone as ein alter Hase (an old hare), they are not talking about an animal. They mean the person has many Jahre of experience in a particular field.
- The word Jahr shares a root with the English word 'year', but it is also distantly related to the word 'yield'. Both come from an ancient root meaning 'to produce' or 'to bring forth', linking the passing of a year to a harvest.
- German has a specific word for the 'year-end' madness, called Jahresendstress. It describes the unique cultural pressure to finish all work and shopping before the new year begins.
Examples in context
- In den letzten fünf Jahren bin ich viel gereist und habe viele Erfahrungen gesammelt.Over the past five years, I have traveled extensively and gained numerous experiences.
- Ich habe in den letzten paar Jahren Deutsch gelernt.I have been learning German over the past few years.
- Sie arbeitet schon seit vielen Jahren bei derselben Firma.She has been working for the same company for many years.
- Das sind schon viele Jahre.Those are already many years.
- Wir haben viele Jahre zusammen gelebt.We lived together for many years.
- Die Reise dauert mehrere Jahre.The journey lasts several years.
Example conversation
Hannah and Lukas are talking about their friendship.
- HannahWie lange kennst du Lukas schon?How long have you known Lukas?
- LukasWir kennen uns seit vielen Jahren.We have known each other for many years.
- HannahDas ist ja eine lange Zeit.That is a long time.
- LukasJa, wir sind sehr gute Freunde.Yes, we are very good friends.
