German word

Zeitalter

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈtsaɪ̯tˌaltɐ/

Meaning

  • neuter nounera

Example

In diesem Zeitalter ist schnelle Kommunikation wichtig.

In this era, fast communication is important.

Illustration for Zeitalter (era)

More examples

Archäologen datieren Funde, um das Zeitalter zu bestimmen.

Archaeologists date finds to determine the era.

Core concept

A chapter of history with a recognizable character, such as a technological or political transformation.

Common phrases

  • im Zeitalter des Internets

    in the era of the internet

  • seit dem Zeitalter der Industrialisierung

    since the era of industrialization

Similar words

Epoche: A defined period united by its culture and notable historical events.
Periode: A fairly short, clearly bounded period within a longer span of time.
Ära: A period associated with sweeping changes in society or technology.

Definition in German

Eine längere Epoche der Geschichte, die durch prägende Ereignisse oder Zustände charakterisiert wird.

Word origin

Zeitalter combines Zeit and Alter, two inherited Germanic nouns whose combination names a distinct age within the course of time.

Usage tips

  • In historical and social contexts, Zeitalter often occurs in the pattern im Zeitalter plus a genitive phrase, as in im Zeitalter der Digitalisierung.

Other meanings

  • agenoun

Opposites

Related words

  • zeitalterbedingtera-dependentadjective
  • zeitalterlichera-specificadjective

Word lists with this word