01
das Kindesalter
childhood
The stage of life from birth until the beginning of puberty; childhood.
example
Viele seiner schönsten Erinnerungen stammen aus dem Kindesalter.
Many of his happiest memories come from childhood.
das Kindesalter
childhood
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
The word consists of 'Kind' (child) and 'Alter' (age). The '-es-' in the middle is a linking element that indicates a genitive connection. So it literally means 'the age of a child.'
EXAMPLE
Im frühen Kindesalter lernen Menschen besonders schnell Sprachen.
In early childhood, people learn languages especially quickly.
More formal style
'Kindesalter' (childhood) is often used in more formal, written, or scientific contexts, for example in psychology, medicine, or biographies.
EXAMPLE
Die Studie untersucht die Entwicklung von sozialen Fähigkeiten im Kindesalter.
The study examines the development of social skills in childhood.
Fixed preposition
This noun is almost always used with the preposition 'im' (in the). The phrase 'im Kindesalter' means 'during childhood.'
EXAMPLE
Er hat schon im Kindesalter gelernt, Klavier zu spielen.
He learned to play the piano as early as childhood.
Compare with
Kindesalter vs Jugend
youth
'die Jugend' and 'das Kindesalter' both talk about early stages of life. But they refer to different periods. 'Das Kindesalter' begins at birth and lasts until the beginning of puberty. 'Die Jugend' comes after that and lies between childhood and adulthood. Learners may confuse the words because neither refers to adulthood. When talking about small children, 'Kindesalter' fits. When talking about teenagers or the time of growing up, 'Jugend' fits.
Kindesalter
Schon im Kindesalter lernen viele Kinder, sicher Fahrrad zu fahren.
Many children learn to ride a bike safely as early as childhood.
Jugend
In ihrer Jugend spielte Mila oft Gitarre und traf sich jeden Abend mit Freunden.
In her youth, Mila often played guitar and met up with friends every evening.
In real life
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