01
die Jahreshälfte
half of the year
One of two periods of six months each into which a year is divided.
example
Die meisten Verkäufe werden in der zweiten Jahreshälfte erwartet.
Most sales are expected in the second half of the year.
die Jahreshälfte
half of the year
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of 'Jahr' (year) and 'Hälfte' (half). The 'es' is a linking element that connects the two words. The meaning is literally 'half of a year'.
EXAMPLE
Die erste Jahreshälfte umfasst die Monate Januar bis Juni.
The first half of the year includes the months January through June.
Always with 'first' or 'second'
'Jahreshälfte' (half of the year) is almost always used with the ordinal numbers 'erste' (first) or 'zweite' (second) to make clear which six-month period is meant.
EXAMPLE
Das neue Produkt kommt in der zweiten Jahreshälfte auf den Markt.
The new product will come onto the market in the second half of the year.
Preposition 'in' with dative
To indicate a point in time within this period, you use the preposition 'in' with the dative: 'in der ersten Jahreshälfte' (in the first half of the year) or 'in der zweiten Jahreshälfte' (in the second half of the year).
EXAMPLE
In der ersten Jahreshälfte ist die Auftragslage traditionell etwas schwächer.
In the first half of the year, the order situation is traditionally somewhat weaker.
Compare with
Jahreshälfte vs Semester
semester
'das Semester' and 'die Jahreshälfte' both describe a period of about six months. The difference lies in the context. 'das Semester' is used at universities and colleges for a half-year period of study. 'die Jahreshälfte' is a general expression for the first or last six months of a year. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with half a year. For studies and courses at a university or college, you say 'Semester'. For general plans, figures, or periods within the year, you say 'Jahreshälfte'.
Jahreshälfte
In der zweiten Jahreshälfte möchte die Firma mehr Mitarbeiter einstellen.
In the second half of the year, the company wants to hire more employees.
Semester
Während des Semesters hat Paul kaum Zeit für einen Nebenjob.
During the semester, Paul hardly has time for a part-time job.
In real life
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