01
der Lenz
spring
A poetic, outdated term for the season of spring.
example
Im Gedicht wird beschrieben, wie der Lenz die Natur wieder zum Leben erweckt.
The poem describes how spring awakens nature to life again.
der Lenz
spring
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Meanings
Usage tips
Origin of the word
The word 'Lenz' (spring) is related to 'lang' (long). It describes the time of year when the days become longer again.
EXAMPLE
Früher feierten die Menschen das Erwachen der Natur im Lenz.
In earlier times, people celebrated the awakening of nature in spring.
Register: poetic
'Lenz' (spring) is a poetic and outdated word for 'Frühling' (spring). You find it in poems, old songs, and literature, but it is not used in modern everyday language.
EXAMPLE
„Der Lenz ist da!“, sangen die Kinder im Chor.
'Spring is here!' the children sang in chorus.
Typical expression
A very well-known expression is 'sich des Lenzes freuen' (to rejoice in spring). It expresses a carefree, springlike joy.
EXAMPLE
Die jungen Leute saßen im Park und freuten sich des Lenzes.
The young people sat in the park and rejoiced in spring.
Compare with
Lenz vs Frühjahr
spring
'das Frühjahr' and 'der Lenz' both mean spring. The difference is mainly in style. 'Frühjahr' is a normal, factual word and fits well in everyday language, planning, or news. 'Lenz' is rare today and sounds poetic or old-fashioned. You are more likely to find it in poems, songs, or deliberately solemn language. In a normal conversation, you would almost always say 'Frühjahr' or 'Frühling', not 'Lenz'.
Lenz
Im alten Lied wird der Lenz als Zeit der Freude besungen.
In the old song, spring is celebrated as a time of joy.
Frühjahr
Für das Frühjahr plant die Firma mehrere neue Kurse.
The company is planning several new courses for the spring.
In real life
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