das Alpha
alpha
The first letter of the Greek alphabet. Its uppercase form is Α and its lowercase form is α.
EXAMPLE
Auf das Alpha folgt im griechischen Alphabet das Beta.
Alpha is followed by beta in the Greek alphabet.
das Alpha
alpha
das Alpha, die Alphas
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Meanings
das Alpha und Omega
alpha and omega
The expression 'das Alpha und Omega' (the alpha and omega) is used in formal language for the essential or most important part of something. It originally means beginning and end and comes from the Bible.
EXAMPLE
Gegenseitiges Vertrauen ist das Alpha und Omega einer guten Zusammenarbeit.
Mutual trust is the alpha and omega of good collaboration.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Alpha, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Alphas |
| genitive | des Alpha |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Alpha | die Alphas |
| accusative | das Alpha | die Alphas |
| dative | dem Alpha | den Alphas |
| genitive | des Alpha des Alphas | der Alphas |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Context clue
When 'das Alpha' (alpha) appears alongside words such as 'Alphabet' (alphabet), 'Buchstabe' (letter), or 'Beta' (beta), it refers to the Greek letter. In the fixed expression 'das Alpha und Omega' (the alpha and omega), it refers to the most important or fundamental aspect of something.
EXAMPLE
In der Liste der griechischen Buchstaben wurde das Alpha als erster Eintrag markiert.
In the list of Greek letters, alpha was marked as the first entry.
Beim Bewerbungsgespräch ist ein guter erster Eindruck das Alpha und Omega.
In a job interview, a good first impression is the alpha and omega.
Technical usage
In mathematical, scientific, and technical texts, 'das Alpha' (alpha) can also refer to a symbol in a formula or a particular category. Its exact meaning depends on the formula or the field in question.
EXAMPLE
In der Formel steht das Alpha für den Winkel zwischen den beiden Linien.
In the formula, alpha represents the angle between the two lines.
Fixed expression
'Das Alpha und Omega' (the alpha and omega) is usually followed by a genitive phrase: 'das Alpha und Omega einer Sache' (the alpha and omega of something). The expression often follows verbs such as 'sein' (to be) or 'bilden' (to constitute).
EXAMPLE
Geduld ist das Alpha und Omega jeder erfolgreichen Ausbildung.
Patience is the alpha and omega of any successful training.
In real life
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