01
die Vergangenheit
past
The time that has already passed, as opposed to the present and the future.
example
In der Vergangenheit gab es hier noch keine Hochhäuser.
In the past, there were no high-rises here yet.
die Vergangenheit
past
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
'Vergangenheit' (past) is a nominalization derived from the verb 'vergehen' (to pass, to go by). So it literally describes the time that has already 'vergangen' (passed).
EXAMPLE
Die Zeit vergeht so schnell, wenn man Spaß hat.
Time passes so quickly when you're having fun.
Fixed expression
The combination 'in der Vergangenheit' (in the past) is a very common expression for referring to earlier times. It often appears at the beginning of a sentence.
EXAMPLE
In der Vergangenheit war die Kommunikation ohne Internet viel schwieriger.
In the past, communication without the internet was much more difficult.
Typical collocations
When it is about a person's life story, 'Vergangenheit' (past) is often combined with adjectives such as 'schwierig' (difficult), 'bewegt' (eventful), or 'kriminell' (criminal). You can also say 'seine Vergangenheit hinter sich lassen' (to leave one's past behind).
EXAMPLE
Er hatte eine schwierige Vergangenheit, aber hat sein Leben geändert.
He had a difficult past, but he changed his life.
Context clue
You can recognize this meaning by the fact that the word is used in a context about language or grammar. Typical signal words are 'Zeitform' (tense), 'Tempus' (tense), 'Perfekt' (perfect), or 'Präteritum' (preterite).
EXAMPLE
Für das Sprechen über die Vergangenheit benutzt man im Deutschen meist das Perfekt.
To talk about the past, German usually uses the perfect tense.
Compare with
Vergangenheit vs Geschichte
story / history
'die Geschichte' and 'die Vergangenheit' both have to do with earlier times. 'die Vergangenheit' means the time that has already passed, or a person's earlier experiences. 'die Geschichte' refers more to the important events of the past, and also to the school subject in which these events are studied. The words can be confused because both talk about what came before. 'Vergangenheit' fits when you are thinking generally about the past. 'Geschichte' fits when it is about historical events, developments, or the school subject.
Vergangenheit
Über ihre Vergangenheit spricht Maria nur mit engen Freunden.
Maria only talks about her past with close friends.
Geschichte
In Geschichte lernen wir gerade etwas über die Berliner Mauer.
In history class, we are currently learning about the Berlin Wall.
In real life
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