German Conversation · Level 38
74 words
German word
Vergangenheit
Pronunciation
IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈgaŋənhaɪ̯t/
Meaning
- feminine nounthe past
Example
In der Vergangenheit habe ich viel gelernt.
I learned a lot in the past.
More examples
Die Lehren der Vergangenheit helfen uns.
The lessons of the past help us.
Core concept
A trail of earlier time that remains as the background to what is happening now.
Common phrases
in der Vergangenheit
in the past
die Vergangenheit hinter sich lassen
leave the past behind
Similar words
Perfekt: A past tense often used in everyday speech for specific past events.
Präteritum: A past tense favored in written and official language for past events.
Gegenwart: The current period, including the present moment and its state.
Zukunft: The time beyond the present in which events may occur.
Definition in German
die Zeit oder die Ereignisse, die vor der Gegenwart liegen.
Word origin
The noun Vergangenheit developed from vergangen, the past participle of vergehen, plus -heit, a suffix that forms abstract nouns.
Usage tips
- In der Vergangenheit usually frames a broad period or background, whereas früher or a named time often suits a specific earlier occasion.