01
das Millennium
millennium
A period of one thousand years; a thousand-year span.
example
Die Burg wurde vor fast einem Millennium erbaut.
The castle was built almost a millennium ago.
das Millennium
millennium
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'Millennium' comes from Latin. It is made up of 'mille' (thousand) and 'annus' (year), so it literally means 'thousand-year'.
EXAMPLE
Die Menschheit steht an der Schwelle zu einem neuen Millennium.
Humanity stands on the threshold of a new millennium.
Context clue
When a historical period of 1000 years is being discussed, the general meaning is intended. If the word refers to a celebration or event around the year 2000, it means the specific turn of the millennium.
EXAMPLE
Die Geschichte der Stadt reicht über ein Millennium zurück.
The history of the city goes back more than a millennium.
Typical collocations
In connection with the turn of the year 1999/2000, the word is often used in fixed phrases: 'die Feier zum Millennium' (the millennium celebration), 'der Millenniumswechsel' (the turn of the millennium), or 'die Millenniums-Party' (the millennium party).
EXAMPLE
Die Party zum Millennium war unvergesslich.
The millennium party was unforgettable.
Compare with
Millennium vs Jahrhundert
century
'das Jahrhundert' and 'das Millennium' both refer to long periods of time, but they are not the same size. A century lasts one hundred years; a millennium lasts one thousand years. So a millennium consists of ten centuries. Learners may confuse the words because both often appear in historical contexts. In addition, 'Millennium' can also specifically mean the transition into a new millennium, especially the change from 1999 to 2000. For one hundred years, you say 'Jahrhundert'; for one thousand years or the turn of the millennium, 'Millennium'.
Millennium
Zum Millennium feierten viele Menschen den Beginn des Jahres 2000.
For the millennium, many people celebrated the beginning of the year 2000.
Jahrhundert
Viele Erfindungen des letzten Jahrhunderts benutzen wir noch heute.
We still use many inventions from the last century today.
In real life
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