birth
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birth / beginning
The point in time when something new and significant emerges or begins. Usually used figuratively for the emergence of ideas, movements, inventions, or eras.
Die Entwicklung des Internets war die Geburtsstunde eines neuen Zeitalters der Kommunikation.
The development of the internet was the birth of a new age of communication.
The word is clearly composed of 'die Geburt' (birth) and 'die Stunde' (hour). Its literal meaning is therefore the hour in which someone is born.
Die Erfindung des Buchdrucks gilt als die Geburtsstunde der Massenmedien.
The invention of printing is considered the birth of mass media.
The figurative meaning for the beginning of something new is far more common today than the literal meaning. When you hear or read the word, it almost always means the beginning of an era, idea, or invention.
Der Fall der Berliner Mauer war die Geburtsstunde eines neuen Europas.
The fall of the Berlin Wall was the birth of a new Europe.
To say what it is the 'Geburtsstunde' (birth/beginning) of, the genitive or the preposition 'von' (of/from) with the dative is usually used. Both are correct.
Wir erlebten die Geburtsstunde der modernen Robotik.
We experienced the birth of modern robotics.
beginning
'der Anfang' and 'die Geburtsstunde' can both refer to the moment when something begins. 'der Anfang' is the normal and very general word for the beginning of almost anything. 'die Geburtsstunde' sounds more special and is usually used when something new and important comes into being, for example an idea, a movement, or an invention. In everyday language, you are more likely to say 'Anfang'. 'Geburtsstunde' fits when the beginning has greater significance.
Die erste erfolgreiche Testfahrt gilt als Geburtsstunde des neuen Projekts.
The first successful test run is considered the birth of the new project.
Der Anfang des Kurses war leicht, aber später wurden die Aufgaben schwerer.
The beginning of the course was easy, but later the assignments became more difficult.