01
damals
back then
Refers to a specific point in time or period in the past, usually one that was quite some time ago.
example
Ich war damals 20 Jahre alt und studierte in Berlin.
I was 20 years old back then and was studying in Berlin.
damals
back then
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
'Damals' is made up of 'da' (there/then) and 'mals'. 'Mals' is an old form of 'Mal' (point in time/occasion). So the word literally means 'at that point in time' or 'at that time'.
EXAMPLE
Damals gab es noch keine Smartphones.
Back then, there were no smartphones yet.
Sentence position
As an adverb, 'damals' (back then) can appear in different places in the sentence. If it is in position 1, the verb follows directly after it. But it can also stand after the verb and the subject.
EXAMPLE
Damals wohnten wir noch in einem kleinen Dorf.
Back then, we still lived in a small village.
Use in context
'Damals' is often used when telling stories from the past. It refers to a point in time that is already known to the listener or has been established in the conversation, and it creates a narrative atmosphere.
EXAMPLE
Erinnerst du dich an unseren Urlaub in Italien? Damals waren die Kinder noch ganz klein.
Do you remember our vacation in Italy? Back then, the children were still very little.
Compare with
damals vs da
there / since / then
'da' and 'damals' can both refer to a time. 'da' often means a specific moment: exactly at that moment or then. 'damals' is used for a time in the past, usually for an earlier phase of life or an old situation. Learners may confuse the words because both can seem like time expressions. A practical rule: for a brief moment, 'da' often fits; for an earlier time, 'damals' fits.
damals
Damals wohnte Anna noch bei ihren Eltern.
Back then, Anna was still living with her parents.
da
Ich wollte gerade gehen, da klingelte mein Handy.
I was just about to leave when my phone rang.
In real life
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