German Conversation · Level 4
88 words
German word
alt
Pronunciation
IPA/alt/
Meaning
- adjectiveold
Example
Das ist ein altes Buch.
This is an old book.
More examples
Die Stadt hat viele alte Häuser.
The city has many old houses.
Core concept
A familiar object worn by time, or a person or thing connected with an earlier period.
Common phrases
ein altes Haus
an old house
ein altes Auto
an old car
alte Möbel
old furniture
Similar words
gebraucht: Owned or used before by another person.
abgenutzt: Showing damage or surface wear caused by extensive use.
altmodisch: Typical of past fashions or methods and no longer modern.
Definition in German
Nicht neu; etwas, das seit langer Zeit existiert oder aus einer früheren Zeit stammt.
Word origin
The adjective alt developed within Germanic languages from Proto-Germanic *aldaz, with Old High German alt and Middle High German alt as earlier German forms.
Usage tips
- When applied directly to a person, alt can sound blunt; older or elderly wording is often more tactful, depending on context.