01
uralt
ancient
Extremely old, dating from a very long time ago. It is used to strongly emphasize great age.
example
In der Burg fanden sie ein uraltes Manuskript.
In the castle, they found an ancient manuscript.
uralt
ancient / outdated
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word formation with 'ur-'
The prefix 'ur-' intensifies the adjective 'alt' (old). It means 'very', 'extremely', or 'original'. So 'uralt' (ancient/very old) is much stronger than just 'alt' (old).
EXAMPLE
Dieser Baum im Garten ist schon uralt.
This tree in the garden is already ancient.
Context clue
The noun that 'uralt' describes reveals the meaning. An 'uraltes Schloss' (ancient castle) is historically old, while an 'uraltes Handy' (outdated phone) is old-fashioned and obsolete.
EXAMPLE
Wir besichtigten eine uralte Ruine.
We visited an ancient ruin.
Register: colloquial
The meaning 'outdated' or 'old-fashioned' is mainly used in colloquial language, especially when talking about technology, fashion, or jokes.
EXAMPLE
Seine Methoden sind ja uralt, das macht heute niemand mehr so.
His methods are really outdated; nobody does it that way anymore.
Compare with
uralt vs neu
new
'neu' and 'uralt' are clear opposites. 'neu' describes something that was created or bought only recently, or that shows a change. 'uralt' strongly emphasizes that something is extremely old. Colloquially, 'uralt' can also mean that something is completely outdated or no longer modern. 'neu' sounds neutral, while 'uralt' is often stronger and sometimes judgmental.
uralt
Im Kurs benutzt der Gast noch einen uralten Laptop.
In the course, the guest is still using an ancient laptop.
neu
Die Mitarbeiterin testet die neue App auf ihrem Handy.
The employee is testing the new app on her phone.
In real life
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