prehistory / primordial times
die Urzeit, die Urzeiten
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primordial times
The earliest period in Earth's history, when the Earth formed and the first living organisms emerged. The term is used especially in geology and discussions of prehistory.
In der Urzeit gab es auf der Erde noch keine Menschen.
In primordial times, there were no humans on Earth yet.
prehistory
A period in the very distant past before recorded history, meaning before the time for which written sources exist.
Die Menschen der Urzeit lebten als Jäger und Sammler.
The people of prehistory lived as hunters and gatherers.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Urzeiten |
| genitive | der Urzeit |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Urzeit | die Urzeiten |
| accusative | die Urzeit | die Urzeiten |
| dative | der Urzeit | den Urzeiten |
| genitive | der Urzeit | der Urzeiten |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Urzeit' (prehistory / primordial times) is made up of 'Ur-' (primordial or original) and 'Zeit' (time). 'Ur-' refers to something very early or original and helps you understand that the word describes a time in the very distant past.
Viele Fossilien stammen aus der Urzeit.
Many fossils date back to primordial times.
The sense referring to Earth's earliest history can often be recognized by words from geology or biology, such as 'Erdgeschichte' (Earth's history), 'Fossilien' (fossils), 'Arten' (species), or 'Lebewesen' (living organisms). In this context, the focus is usually on the development of the Earth and of life.
Wissenschaftler untersuchen, welche Pflanzen in der Urzeit auf der Erde wuchsen.
Scientists study which plants grew on Earth in primordial times.
When 'Urzeit' (prehistory) is associated with humans, settlements, tools, or hunters and gatherers, it usually refers to the time before written sources. The context then indicates that human prehistory is meant.
Werkzeuge aus der Urzeit geben Forschern Hinweise auf das Leben früher Menschen.
Tools from prehistory give researchers clues about the lives of early humans.
