als

Meaning and Usage

als can be used as a conjunction meaning "when" or "as" to indicate a point in time when something happens. It is also used as a comparative adverb meaning "than."

Linguistic Analysis

Als is an adverb and conjunction and doesn't have a prefix or suffix. It originates from Middle High German and Old High German.

Comparisons between German and English

The German word als has similar uses to its English counterpart with the meaning of "when" or "as," in the context of comparing things.

Example Sentences

1. Er kam, als ich gegangen bin. (He came when I left.)
2. Sie ist schneller als ich. (She is faster than I am.)

Memory Tips

For the meaning "when" or "as," think of the word als as indicating a specific time or circumstance.

Additional Vocabulary

• Wenn (when)
• Besser als (better than)