alt
/alt/Having lived or existed for a long time; not new or recent.
Er ist ein alter Mann.
He is an old man.
Das ist eine alte Tradition.
This is an old tradition.
In German, 'alt' is a common adjective used to describe age, often implying experience or historical significance.
Experienced or skilled due to age or long practice.
Er ist ein alter Hase in diesem Geschäft.
He is an old hand in this business.
This usage often carries a positive connotation, indicating wisdom or expertise.
Collocations
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Gender Agreement
'Alt' must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies. For example, 'der alte Mann' (the old man), 'die alte Frau' (the old woman).
⚡Gold Rule
Capitalization
In German, 'alt' is capitalized because it is an adjective and follows the German capitalization rule for adjectives used as nouns.
📖Word Origin
From Middle High German 'alt', from Old High German 'alt', from Proto-Germanic 'alþaz'. Related to English 'old'.
📝Usage Notes
'Alt' is a common adjective in German and is used in both formal and informal contexts. It can describe physical age, historical significance, or experience.