seit
since
As a preposition indicating the beginning of a period of time that continues into the present.
EXAMPLE
Er wohnt seit drei Jahren in Berlin.
He has been living in Berlin for three years.
seit
since
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Meanings
seit
since
As a conjunction (often as 'seitdem'), introducing a subordinate clause that indicates the point in time when the action of the main clause began.
EXAMPLE
Seit er den neuen Job hat, ist er viel glücklicher.
Since he got the new job, he has been much happier.
Usage tips
Connection to the present
Whether as a preposition or conjunction, 'seit' (since/for) always describes a state or action that began in the past and continues into the present. For this reason, the main clause is almost always in the present tense.
EXAMPLE
Seit dem Umzug fühle ich mich viel wohler.
Since the move, I feel much more comfortable.
Preposition with dative
When 'seit' (since/for) is used as a preposition before a noun, it always takes the dative.
EXAMPLE
Ich lerne seit einem Jahr Deutsch.
I have been learning German for a year.
Sentence structure as a conjunction
As a conjunction, 'seit' (since) introduces a subordinate clause. The conjugated verb comes at the end of this subordinate clause. In this function, 'seitdem' can often also be used.
EXAMPLE
Seit ich in Deutschland lebe, trinke ich viel mehr Tee.
Since I have been living in Germany, I drink much more tea.
Compare with
seit vs für
for
Für refers to a limited or intended duration without presupposing a beginning in the past. Seit names the beginning or the time that has elapsed so far in a situation that still continues in the present. Für zwei Jahre therefore usually describes a plan, while seit zwei Jahren describes a state that is still ongoing.
seit
Lena arbeitet seit zwei Jahren in Berlin.
Lena has been working in Berlin for two years.
für
Lena arbeitet für zwei Jahre in Berlin.
Lena is working in Berlin for two years.
In real life
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