damals

Meaning and Usage

"Damals" is an adverb in German that translates to "back then" or "at that time" in English. It is used to refer to a specific point in the past, emphasizing a moment or a period of time that is not the present.

Linguistic Analysis

The word "damals" does not have any prefix, root, or suffix. It originated from the Middle High German and Old High German word "dama(l)s," which is a combination of "da" (there) and "mals" (time).

Comparisons between German and English

The word "damals" in German is similar to the English expression "back then" or "at that time," indicating a connection to a specific past time.

Cultural Context

Using "damals" can add a nostalgic or reflective tone to conversations, as it evokes memories and events from the past.

Example Sentences

• Damals habe ich in Deutschland gewohnt. (Back then, I lived in Germany.)
• Sie waren damals beste Freunde. (They were best friends at that time.)

Memory Tips

To remember the meaning of "damals," think of how it sounds similar to "dah-mals," which can help you associate it with the idea of "back then" or "at that time."

Additional Vocabulary

• Synonyms: zu jener Zeit, früher, einst (at that time, previously, once)
• Antonyms: heute, jetzt (today, now)

Gender and Plural (for nouns)

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Conjugation (for verbs)

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