der Sommer
summer
The warmest of the four seasons, which comes between spring and autumn.
EXAMPLE
In diesem Sommer wollen wir eine lange Fahrradtour machen.
This summer, we want to go on a long bike tour.
der Sommer
summer
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Meanings
Sommer wie Winter
summer and winter
A fixed expression that means 'all year round' or 'in every season'.
EXAMPLE
Diese Wanderroute ist Sommer wie Winter sehr beliebt.
This hiking route is very popular summer and winter.
der Sommer
summer
A poetic or figurative term for the mature, advanced phase of human life.
EXAMPLE
Im Sommer ihres Lebens blickte die Künstlerin auf ein reiches Schaffen zurück.
In the summer of her life, the artist looked back on a rich body of work.
Usage tips
Correct preposition
If you want to express that something happens during this season, use the preposition 'in' with the dative: 'im Sommer' (in summer).
EXAMPLE
Im Sommer gehen wir oft im See schwimmen.
In summer, we often go swimming in the lake.
Word family
The adjective 'sommerlich' (summery) is derived from the noun 'der Sommer' (summer). It describes things that are typical of summer, such as the weather or clothing.
EXAMPLE
Heute herrscht ein schönes, sommerliches Wetter.
Today we have lovely, summery weather.
Fixed expression
The phrase 'Sommer wie Winter' (summer and winter) is a fixed expression. It means 'all year round' or 'no matter what season it is'.
EXAMPLE
Das Hotel ist Sommer wie Winter geöffnet.
The hotel is open summer and winter.
Register and style
This meaning is metaphorical and belongs to a poetic or elevated style. It is used to describe the prime or high point in a person's life.
EXAMPLE
Im Sommer seines Schaffens schuf der Komponist seine berühmtesten Werke.
In the summer of his creative life, the composer created his most famous works.
Compare with
Sommer vs Sommerzeit
daylight saving time / summertime
Sommer and Sommerzeit can both refer to the warm season. In everyday German, people usually say im Sommer. Zur Sommerzeit refers to the same period but sounds more stylistically marked and is used more often in descriptive or ceremonial texts.
Sommer
Im Sommer sitzen viele Gäste draußen im Garten.
In summer, many guests sit outside in the garden.
Sommerzeit
Zur Sommerzeit sitzen viele Gäste draußen im Garten.
In summertime, many guests sit outside in the garden.
In real life
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