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
das Millennium
millennium
Specifically the transition from one millennium to the next, especially the turn of the year from 1999 to 2000.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben die Feier zum Millennium in Berlin verbracht.
We spent the millennium celebration in Berlin.
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 Jahrtausendwende
turn of the millennium
Die Jahrtausendwende refers to the transition from one millennium to the next, that is, to a specific event. Millennium, on the other hand, can also mean the entire period of one thousand years; it can also refer to the transition around the year 2000, but this is less unambiguous. Use „Jahrtausendwende“ when you mean the transition.
Millennium
Das Millennium begann für viele Menschen mit großen Feiern zum Jahreswechsel 1999 auf 2000.
For many people, the millennium began with major celebrations during the transition from 1999 to 2000.
Jahrtausendwende
Viele Menschen feierten die Jahrtausendwende in der Nacht zum 1. Januar 2000.
Many people celebrated the turn of the millennium on the night of January 1, 2000.
In real life
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