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dreijährig
three-year-old
Being three years old.
example
Unser dreijähriger Sohn geht seit Kurzem in den Kindergarten.
Our three-year-old son recently started kindergarten.
dreijährig
three-year-old / three-year
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The adjective is made up of the number 'drei' (three) and the suffix '-jährig' (from 'das Jahr' — the year). This structure is very productive and can be used with any number to describe age or duration (e.g. 'zweijährig' — two-year-old/two-year, 'zehnjährig' — ten-year-old/ten-year).
EXAMPLE
Für diese Stelle ist eine fünfjährige Berufserfahrung erforderlich.
Five years of professional experience are required for this position.
Age or duration?
The context makes the difference clear. If the adjective refers to a person or animal, it means age. If it refers to a process, training program, or contract, it refers to duration.
EXAMPLE
Unser dreijähriger Hund ist sehr verspielt.
Our three-year-old dog is very playful.
Use as an adjective
'Dreijährig' (three-year-old/three-year) is used like any other adjective before a noun and must be declined accordingly. It offers a compact way to express age or duration.
EXAMPLE
Die Förderung gilt für alle dreijährigen Kinder.
The funding applies to all three-year-old children.
In real life
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