Guten Tag! If you’re learning German and want to express years, whether in formal or informal settings, look no further. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with various ways to say years in German, along with helpful tips and examples. So, let’s start by exploring the formal and informal ways of expressing years in German!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions for Years
When it comes to formal settings like business meetings, academic conferences, or official documents, it’s important to use the appropriate language to convey years. Here are a few examples:
- Ein Tausend Neunhundert Neunundneunzig. (1999)
- Zweitausend Zehn. (2010)
- Zweitausend Einundzwanzig. (2021)
- Zweitausend Dreiunddreißig. (2033)
Notice that in formal German, the years are usually expressed as cardinal numbers. However, when expressing the years between 1000 and 1999, the word “ein Tausend” (one thousand) is generally added before the number. For instance, 1999 is “Ein Tausend Neunhundert Neunundneunzig.”
Now, let’s switch gears and explore the informal ways of saying years in German, which you can use in casual conversations, among friends, or in less formal writing.
Informal Expressions for Years
Informal language allows for a more relaxed approach to expressing years. The following examples demonstrate how you can talk about years in a casual setting:
- Neunundneunzig. (1999)
- Zehn. (2010)
- Einundzwanzig. (2021)
- Dreiunddreißig. (2033)
Note that in informal German, the years are expressed as ordinal numbers. The ending “-undneunzig” is a typical way to say “-ninety-nine”. Similarly, “-undzwanzig” means “-twenty” and “-dreiunddreißig” stands for “-thirty-three”. This informal style is commonly used in day-to-day conversations and when writing emails or messages to friends.
Tips and Regional Variations
Now, let’s delve into some tips and regional variations to enhance your understanding of expressing years in German:
1. Shorter Versions
In both formal and informal German, it is common to shorten years after the switch from the second millennium to the third. For example:
Zweitausendelf (2011) instead of Zweitausendundelf (2011).
Zweitausenddreizehn (2013) instead of Zweitausendunddreizehn (2013).
By eliminating the “und” (and) between “Zweitausend” and the following number, the years become shorter and easier to say.
2. Regional Variations
German-speaking countries may have slight regional variations in expressing years. For instance, in Austria and parts of Southern Germany, it is common to say “nichteteins” for “2001” instead of “zweitausendeins” as in other regions. Regional variations add color and diversity to the German language, showcasing its rich cultural heritage.
Remember that these regional variations might not be as widespread, so it’s always safe to stick to the previously mentioned forms unless you are in a specific region where these variations are commonly used.
With these tips and regional variations in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to express years in German confidently and accurately!
Conclusion
Congratulations on completing this comprehensive guide on how to say years in German! You have learned both the formal and informal expressions for years. Remember, in formal settings, use the full names of the numbers, while in informal conversations, you can use shortened ordinal forms. Additionally, be aware of regional variations, which can add flair to your German language skills. Keep practicing and immerse yourself in German culture to further enhance your language proficiency. Viel Glück (Good luck)!
