early period / dawn
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early period
Refers to the initial phase of a historical era, a culture, or a technological development. It is the time when something begins or comes into being.
In der Frühzeit des Internets waren die Verbindungen noch sehr langsam.
In the early period of the internet, connections were still very slow.
The word 'Frühzeit' is made up of 'früh' (early) and 'Zeit' (time). It literally means 'early time,' which helps you understand both meanings: the initial phase of an era or the early time of day.
Die Frühzeit der Fotografie war von langen Belichtungszeiten geprägt.
The early period of photography was characterized by long exposure times.
In this meaning, 'Frühzeit' is almost always used with a genitive or a 'von' construction to specify whose or what initial phase is meant.
Wir lesen über die Frühzeit der römischen Republik.
We are reading about the early period of the Roman Republic.
'Frühzeit' is often used in historical or technical contexts. Typical combinations are 'die Frühzeit der Menschheit' (the early period of humanity), 'die Frühzeit der Industrialisierung' (the early period of industrialization), or 'die Frühzeit des Automobils' (the early period of the automobile).
In der Frühzeit der Luftfahrt waren Flugzeuge noch sehr unsicher.
In the early period of aviation, airplanes were still very unsafe.
This meaning for the early morning is considered poetic or outdated. In normal usage, it is hardly used today and is more likely to be found in literature.
In aller Frühzeit machten sich die Pilger auf den Weg.
At the very break of dawn, the pilgrims set out on their way.
dawn
'das Morgengrauen' and 'die Frühzeit' can both mean the very early morning, when it slowly gets light. In this sense, 'Morgengrauen' is the normal and clear word today. 'Frühzeit' sounds old-fashioned or poetic in this meaning. Today, 'Frühzeit' is used much more often for the beginning of a history, culture, or development, not for the morning. If you are simply talking about the time before sunrise, 'Morgengrauen' almost always sounds more natural.
In alten Gedichten beschreibt die Frühzeit oft die stillen Stunden vor Sonnenaufgang.
In old poems, 'Frühzeit' often describes the quiet hours before sunrise.
Im Morgengrauen machten sich die Wanderer leise auf den Weg.
At dawn, the hikers quietly set off.