als
as · than
Dieses Wort benutzt man, um zwei Dinge zu vergleichen oder um zu sagen, wann etwas passiert ist.
Definition & meaning
The word "als" is a versatile particle in German, serving several different functions depending on the context:
- Comparison (Inequality): It is used after a comparative adjective to mean "than." Example: "Er ist größer als ich" (He is taller than I am).
- Role or Capacity: It indicates the function, job, or identity of a person or object. Example: "Ich arbeite als Lehrer" (I work as a teacher).
- Temporal (One-time event): It is used as a conjunction for a specific event that happened once in the past. Example: "Als ich ein Kind war" (When I was a child).
- "As if": In the construction "als ob" or "als" (followed by subjunctive mood), it expresses a hypothetical comparison. Example: "Er tut so, als ob er krank wäre" (He acts as if he were sick).
Grammar & Word origin
Grammatically, "als" functions as a conjunction or a particle. It does not change its form.
Historically, "als" developed from the Old High German "al sō," which literally meant "all so" or "entirely so." Over time, its meaning shifted from expressing similarity to establishing comparisons and temporal markers.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- For the temporal meaning: {während} (in specific contexts), {damals} .
- For the role/capacity: {in der Funktion als} .
Antonyms:
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Examples
Er arbeitet als Lehrer.preposition
He works as a teacher.
Inge arbeitet als Ärztin.preposition
Inge works as a doctor.
Sandra jobbt als Verkäuferin.preposition
Sandra works as a saleswoman.
Er arbeitet als Koch.preposition
He works as a cook.
Er arbeitet als Arzt in der Stadt.preposition
He works as a doctor in the city.
Anna arbeitet als Ärztin in der Stadt.preposition
Anna works as a doctor in the city.
Er ist jünger, als ich dachte.conjunction
He is younger than I thought.
Das Haus ist größer, als es aussieht.conjunction
The house is bigger than it looks.
Heute bin ich früher aufgestanden als gestern.conjunction
Today I got up earlier than yesterday.
Ich bin größer als meine Schwester.conjunction
I am taller than my sister.
Es war einfacher, als ich dachte.conjunction
It was easier than I thought.
Er läuft schneller als sein Bruder.conjunction
He runs faster than his brother.
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