Germans have several ways to convey the meaning of “since” in English. Whether you want to express the duration of time, cause and effect, or a starting point, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the various options available in both formal and informal contexts. We will explore regional variations only when necessary. So, let’s dive into the different ways to say “since” in German!
Table of Contents
1. Seit
“Seit” is the most common and versatile translation for “since” in German. It is used to indicate a starting point or duration of time. Here are some examples:
- Ich lebe seit zehn Jahren in Deutschland. (I have been living in Germany for ten years.)
- Seit gestern regnet es. (It has been raining since yesterday.)
2. Seitdem or Seit … her
If you want to emphasize “since then” or “ever since,” you can use “seitdem” or “seit … her”. These variations imply continuity and are often used in more casual conversations:
- Ich spiele seitdem ich fünf Jahre alt bin Klavier. (I have been playing the piano since I was five years old.)
- Seit dem Unfall hat er Angst vor dem Autofahren. (He has been afraid of driving since the accident.) [Seit … her]
3. Da
When indicating a cause-and-effect relationship, you can use “da”. It implies that something has happened or is the case “since” something else:
- Er hat Kopfschmerzen, da er zu wenig geschlafen hat. (He has a headache since he slept too little.)
4. Weil
Another way to express causality, specifically in subordinate clauses, is by using “weil”. It directly translates to “because” but can also convey the meaning of “since” in certain contexts:
- Ich habe keine Zeit, weil ich viel Arbeit habe. (I don’t have time since I have a lot of work.)
5. Aus
In some German dialects, particularly in Southern Germany and Austria, “aus” is used to indicate “since” or “from” in temporal expressions:
- Ich wohne aus 2010 in München. (I have been living in Munich since 2010.) [Southern German variant]
Tip: While “seit” is the most widely used translation for “since” in German, the choice of the appropriate word depends on the context and the intended meaning.
Formal vs. Informal Usage
When it comes to formality, “seit” is suitable for both formal and informal situations. However, “seitdem” and “seit … her” are more commonly used in informal conversations. “Da” and “weil” are used interchangeably in both contexts.
Regional Variations
With a diverse linguistic landscape, Germany showcases regional variations in its vocabulary. The use of “aus” to mean “since” is prevalent in Southern Germany and Austria, while other regions might exclusively use the aforementioned alternatives.
In Conclusion
Mastering the various ways to say “since” in German adds depth and nuance to your language skills. Whether you choose “seit,” “seitdem,” “seit … her,” “da,” or “weil,” using the appropriate word in the right context allows you to express yourself accurately. Remember, practice makes perfect, so try incorporating these different expressions into your conversations and writing to become more fluent in German!
