01
die Achtziger
eighties
The decade from 1980 to 1989 of a century.
example
Die Musik und Mode der Achtziger erleben gerade ein Comeback.
The music and fashion of the eighties are currently making a comeback.
Achtziger
eighties / octogenarian
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Article and meaning
The article and the form of the word reveal the meaning. 'Die Achtziger' (the eighties) in the plural always refers to the decade, e.g. 1980–1989. 'Der Achtziger' or 'ein Achtziger' in the masculine singular refers to a male person of that age.
EXAMPLE
In den Achtzigern war diese Frisur sehr modern.
In the eighties, this hairstyle was very fashionable.
Productive word formation
The word is formed from the number 'achtzig' (eighty) with the ending '-er'. This pattern works for all decades and age groups, for example 'die Siebziger' (the seventies) or 'ein Sechziger' (a person over 60).
EXAMPLE
Viele Trends aus den Neunzigern sind heute wieder populär.
Many trends from the nineties are popular again today.
Typical collocations
When referring to the decade, the word is often combined with topics such as music, fashion, politics, or films. A very common phrase is 'in den Achtzigern' (in the eighties).
EXAMPLE
Die Popmusik der Achtziger ist für ihre Synthesizer-Klänge bekannt.
The pop music of the eighties is known for its synthesizer sounds.
Compare with
Achtziger vs Siebziger
septuagenarian / seventies
'Siebziger' and 'Achtziger' look very similar, but they refer to different number ranges. When talking about people, a Siebziger is between 70 and 79 years old, and an Achtziger is between 80 and 89. In the plural, both can also refer to decades: die Siebziger are 1970 to 1979, die Achtziger are 1980 to 1989. Learners can easily mix up the words because they are built the same way and can both refer to age or a decade. So always pay attention to the number and the context: are you talking about a person or a period of time?
Achtziger
In den Achtzigern waren bunte Jacken und laute Popmusik sehr beliebt.
In the eighties, colorful jackets and loud pop music were very popular.
Siebziger
Mein Großvater ist noch sehr sportlich, obwohl er schon ein Siebziger ist.
My grandfather is still very athletic, even though he's already a septuagenarian.
In real life
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