01
das Mal
time
Refers to a point in time or an event that is repeated or stands in a series. Often used with ordinal numbers or adjectives.
example
Das erste Mal ist immer etwas Besonderes.
The first time is always something special.
das Mal
time / mark
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Common mistake
Don't confuse 'das Mal' (noun, capitalized) with 'mal' (particle, lowercase). 'Das Mal' is an event or a marking, while 'mal' makes a request friendlier or means 'einmal' (once).
EXAMPLE
Das war das erste Mal, dass ich geflogen bin.
That was the first time I flew.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'Ereignis' (event) or 'Zeitpunkt' (point in time), 'das Mal' (time) almost always appears with an ordinal number or an adjective. Typical combinations are 'das erste/letzte Mal' (the first/last time), 'dieses/nächstes Mal' (this/next time), and 'jedes Mal' (every time).
EXAMPLE
Nächstes Mal machen wir es besser.
Next time we'll do it better.
Mostly in compounds
In the meaning of 'Markierung auf der Haut' (marking on the skin), 'Mal' is now almost only used in compound words. The best-known examples are 'das Muttermal' (birthmark) and 'das Brandmal' (brand mark).
EXAMPLE
Schon als Kind hatte sie dieses kleine Muttermal an der Wange.
She had this small birthmark on her cheek even as a child.
Word component of 'Denkmal'
The outdated meaning 'Mahnmal' (memorial) is now mainly relevant as part of words like 'das Denkmal' (monument) or 'das Mahnmal' (memorial). On its own, 'das Mal' is hardly used in this sense anymore.
EXAMPLE
Das Denkmal erinnert an einen berühmten Dichter.
The monument commemorates a famous poet.
Compare with
Mal vs Zeit
time
'das Mal' and 'die Zeit' can both have to do with a moment or period of time, but they are used differently. 'das Mal' means a single event in a series, for example 'das erste Mal' (the first time) or 'nächstes Mal' (next time). 'die Zeit' is more about a period of time, a point in time, or time in general. Learners often confuse the words because some languages use a similar word for both. In German, you say 'beim nächsten Mal' (next time), but 'zu dieser Zeit' (at that time) or 'um welche Zeit' (at what time).
Mal
Beim letzten Mal haben wir den Zug knapp verpasst.
Last time, we only just missed the train.
Zeit
Nach dem Gespräch hatte sie endlich Zeit für einen ruhigen Abend.
After the conversation, she finally had time for a quiet evening.
In real life
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