das Alter, –

The German word "Alter" is a noun that primarily means "age". It refers to the length of time a person, animal, or thing has existed.

Meaning of the word inside "Alter":

• The whole word "Alter" means age (no smaller components as it's a root word).

Words with similar meaning:

• Lebensjahr (year of life)
• Datum (date, sometimes related to age)
• Typer, Epoche (less related, more like era)
• Zeitalter (age or era, a broader historical period)

Differences:

• "Alter" usually denotes personal or exact age (e.g., "Mein Alter ist 30" - "My age is 30").
• "Zeitalter" often refers to an historical or geological age.
• "Lebensjahr" emphasizes a single year within the lifetime.
• "Datum" means a calendar date, not age.

In short, "Alter" is the general term for age, especially personal age.