dein Alter
/daɪ̯n ˈaltər/word by word
The phrase dein Alter is the German way to say "your age".
The phrase is used to refer to the number of years a person has lived. In very formal contexts, such as when completing official documents or when precision is required, you might see the expression Ich habe das … Lebensjahr vollendet, which means "I have completed the … year of my life."
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the possessive pronoun dein (your) and the neuter noun Alter (age).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal or professional situations, you should use Ihr Alter instead. For a formal way to state your age, you can use the sentence Mein Alter beträgt … Jahre.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Alter is a neuter noun, which is why the possessive pronoun dein lacks an ending in the nominative case. When using the phrase in the genitive case, it becomes deines Alters (of your age).
How do you pronounce it?
/daɪ̯n ˈaltər/
Did you know?
- The noun Alter is also used as a slang term among young people to mean 'dude' or 'mate' regardless of the person's actual age.
- In German, talking about age often involves the concept of the Lebensjahr, where a person is said to be in their 21st year of life as soon as they turn 20.
- The word dein is a direct linguistic relative of the archaic English words 'thine' and 'thy'.
Examples in context
- Ich habe dein Alter.I'm your age.This sentence shows how to use dein Alter to say you are the same age as someone.Tatoeba #6404702 by Manfredo, translation #5829209 by CK
- Sorge dich nicht um dein Alter!Don't worry about your age.This sentence demonstrates using dein Alter to tell someone not to worry about their age.Tatoeba #12693647 by Waldelfe, translation #12487827 by menaud
- Für dein Alter bist du sehr reif.You're very mature for your age.This sentence shows how to describe someone's maturity in relation to dein Alter.Tatoeba #3385944 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3382755 by Hybrid
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Sarah are filling out a form together.
- LukasHier musst du dein Alter eintragen.You have to enter your age here.
- SarahOh, ich habe es vergessen.Oh, I forgot it.
- LukasSchreib einfach dein Alter in das Feld.Just write your age in the field.
- SarahOkay, ich mache es jetzt.Okay, I'm doing it now.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (dein, Alter) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Alter, dein, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
