Jahr
/jaːr/neuter
The German word for "year" is Jahr. Wiktionary also lists Johr and Jåhr.
Meaning: time it takes for the Earth to complete one revolution around the Sun (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Jahr | /jaːr/ | neuter |
| Johr | Alemannic German, neuter | |
| Jåhr | neuter |
The word Jahr refers to the period of time it takes for the Earth to complete one revolution around the Sun. You can use related terms like Jahreszeit to refer to a specific season within a year, or Schuljahr when discussing an academic year.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form Johr is used in Alemannic German dialects.
How does it change in a sentence?
In formal or older contexts, the dative singular form Jahre is used after the preposition in to indicate a specific year. When using the dative plural (for example, after the prepositions vor or seit), the word takes the ending -n to become Jahren. Note that Jåhr is also a neuter form of the word.
How do you pronounce it?
/jaːr/
Did you know?
- The German word Jahr is a linguistic 'cousin' to the English word 'hour', both descending from the same ancient root meaning a period of time.
- While English uses 'year' for both calendar and anniversary contexts, German speakers often use Jahrgang to specifically refer to a group of people born in the same year.
- German often creates compound words with Jahr, such as Neujahrsvorsätze for 'New Year's resolutions', combining the year with the specific concept of a resolution.
Examples in context
- Es war im Jahre 89.It was in the year 1989.This sentence is useful for noting a specific year using the form Jahr.Tatoeba #8310854 by GuidoW, translation #9096950 by sundown
- Das war letztes Jahr.It was last year.This sentence uses the form Jahr to talk about the previous year.Tatoeba #11999027 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3361982 by CM
- Er starb letztes Jahr.He died last year.Tatoeba #2309223 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2266203 by _undertoad
- Das Jahr 2022 wird ein aufregendes Jahr sein.The year 2022 will be an exciting year.
- In ein paar Jährchen bin ich in Rente und dann genieße ich das Leben.In a few years, I'll be retired and then I'll enjoy life.
- Das Jahr 2010 war ein Jahr großer Veränderungen.The year 2010 was a year of significant changes.
- Ich habe Deutsch im Jahr 2020 gelernt.I learned German in the year 2020.
- Im kommenden Schuljahr werde ich mein Abitur machen.In the upcoming academic year, I will graduate from high school.
- Wir haben eine Party an der Jahreswende gefeiert.We celebrated at New Year's.
- 1928 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are talking about their future plans.
- LukasWann beginnst du dein Studium?When do you start your studies?
- HannahIch warte noch ein Jahr.I am waiting one more year.
- LukasWarum machst du das?Why are you doing that?
- HannahIch möchte dieses Jahr noch reisen.I want to travel more this year.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “year” translations and entries Jahr, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Jahr, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
