German word

jeher

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈjeːheːɐ̯/

Meaning

  • adverbsince ancient times

Example

Von jeher gilt dieser Baum als heilig.

This tree has been regarded as sacred since ancient times.

Illustration for jeher (since ancient times)

More examples

Dieses Gericht wird seit jeher zu Familienfesten serviert.

This dish has been served at family celebrations since ancient times.

Core concept

A timeline with its left end fading into the distant past and its right end touching the present.

Common phrases

  • seit jeher

    since ancient times

  • von jeher

    from ancient times

Similar words

seit jeher: From ancient times up to the present.
von jeher: From ancient times right through to the present.
schon immer: True for as long as anyone can remember.
seit langem: Continuing for a long time up to the present.

Definition in German

Von alters her bestehend; seit jeher fortdauernd vorhanden

Word origin

Jeher combines the old Germanic time word je, meaning ever or formerly, with her, a directional element pointing toward the present.

Usage tips

  • Jeher normally occurs in the fixed phrases von jeher and seit jeher, which sound more formal than schon immer in everyday speech.

Opposites

Word lists with this word