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noun

das Mittelalter, -

Middle Ages · the Middle Ages

Definition & meaning

The German word Mittelalter refers to the historical period known as the Middle Ages in English.

  1. Historical Period: It describes the era in European history between the fall of the Western Roman Empire (5th century) and the beginning of the Renaissance and the Age of Discovery (15th/16th century).
  2. Figurative use: In a negative or colloquial context, the word can describe something that is outdated, backward, or primitive (e.g., "Diese Ansichten sind aus dem Mittelalter" - "These views are medieval").

Grammar & Word origin

  • Grammar: It is a neuter noun (das Mittelalter). It does not have a plural form in the standard sense, as it refers to a specific epoch.
  • Word origin: It is a compound word consisting of:
    • Mittel (middle)
    • Alter (age)
  • It is a literal translation of the Latin term medium aevum.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • Die Epoche (referring to the era)
  • Das dunkle Zeitalter (historically used, though often debated)

Antonyms:

  • Die Neuzeit (modern era)
  • Die Antike (antiquity)

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Examples

Das Mittelalter war eine spannende Epoche.noun

The Middle Ages was an exciting era.

Im Mittelalter wurden viele Burgen gebaut.noun

In the Middle Ages many castles were built.

Im Mittelalter lebten die meisten Menschen als Bauern.noun

In the Middle Ages, most people lived as farmers.

Unser Museum zeigt Waffen aus dem Mittelalter.noun

Our museum displays weapons from the Middle Ages.

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