01
die Zeitreise
time travel
A fictional or theoretical journey into the past or into the future.
example
Der Roman handelt von einer Zeitreise ins 19. Jahrhundert.
The novel is about time travel to the 19th century.
die Zeitreise
time travel
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is a clear compound made up of 'die Zeit' (time) and 'die Reise' (journey/trip). So it literally means a journey through time, which makes it very easy to understand.
EXAMPLE
In vielen Science-Fiction-Filmen ist die Zeitreise ein zentrales Thema.
In many science fiction films, time travel is a central theme.
Typical collocations
'Zeitreise' (time travel) is very often combined with the verb 'machen' (to make/do). People talk about 'eine Zeitreise zu machen' (to go on a journey through time / to time-travel).
EXAMPLE
Wenn ich eine Zeitreise machen könnte, würde ich die 1920er Jahre besuchen.
If I could time-travel, I would visit the 1920s.
Correct preposition
To indicate the time destination of the journey, German uses the preposition 'in' with the accusative. You make a journey 'in die Zukunft' (into the future) or 'in die Vergangenheit' (into the past).
EXAMPLE
Der Protagonist unternimmt eine gefährliche Zeitreise in die Zukunft.
The protagonist undertakes a dangerous journey through time into the future.
Compare with
Zeitreise vs Zeitmaschine
time machine
'die Zeitreise' and 'die Zeitmaschine' both belong to stories or ideas about traveling into the past or the future. The difference is simple: 'die Zeitreise' is the journey itself. 'die Zeitmaschine' is the device that makes this journey possible. Learners may confuse the words because both often appear in the same context, for example in science fiction. Memory tip: The 'Zeitmaschine' takes you on a 'Zeitreise'.
Zeitreise
In dem Roman macht ein Junge eine Zeitreise ins Jahr 2050.
In the novel, a boy travels through time to the year 2050.
Zeitmaschine
Der Erfinder baut in seiner Werkstatt eine Zeitmaschine.
The inventor builds a time machine in his workshop.
In real life
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