01
das Alter
age
The number of years that a person, animal, or thing has existed.
example
In welchem Alter hast du Fahrradfahren gelernt?
At what age did you learn to ride a bike?
das Alter
age
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 04
Usage tips
Word family
'Das Alter' (age) is the noun related to the adjective 'alt' (old). It describes the state of being old or the number of years someone has lived.
EXAMPLE
Mit zunehmendem Alter wird man oft ruhiger.
As people get older, they often become calmer.
Context clue
'Das Alter' (age) can mean an exact number of years or the stage of life as an old person. If a number is included ('im Alter von 30' — at the age of 30), the number of years is meant. If it stands alone ('im Alter' — in old age), it usually refers to the life stage.
EXAMPLE
Er wanderte im Alter von 25 Jahren nach Australien aus.
He emigrated to Australia at the age of 25.
Asking someone's age
To ask a person's age, you almost always use the adjective: 'Wie alt bist du?' (How old are you?). The question 'Was ist dein Alter?' (What is your age?) is uncommon and sounds very unnatural or bureaucratic.
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Formular müssen Sie Ihren Namen und Ihr Alter eintragen.
On the form, you have to enter your name and your age.
Colloquial exclamation
The exclamation 'Alter!' (Dude!) is very informal youth slang. Depending on the tone of voice, it can express surprise, annoyance, or excitement. Use it only among friends.
EXAMPLE
Alter, was machst du denn hier?
Dude, what are you doing here?
Compare with
Alter vs Jahr
year
'das Jahr' and 'das Alter' are connected when you say how old someone or something is. 'Jahr' is the unit: you count in years. 'Alter' is the information, or the question, about how many years someone or something has existed. Learners may confuse the words because when talking about age, you often mention 'Jahre'. But you say: 'Sie ist zehn Jahre alt' (She is ten years old) and 'Ihr Alter ist zehn Jahre' (Her age is ten years). So 'Jahr' by itself is not the same as 'Alter'.
Alter
Dein Alter steht auf dem Formular neben deinem Namen.
Your age is on the form next to your name.
Jahr
Meine Tochter ist seit der Feier fünf Jahre alt.
Since the celebration, my daughter has been five years old.
In real life
Loading video examples...