[2024-10-11] Elephants & German Words: Newsletter #1

Post

The German word for mail is Post. It is used in the same way as in English, to refer to the system of sending and receiving letters and packages. For example, you can say 'Ich muss zur Post gehen, um ein Paket abzuholen' (I have to go to the post office to pick up a package).

Here's how to use it:

• Ich gehe zur Post
• Die Post ist geschlossen
• Ich warte auf die Post

ziehen

The German word 'ziehen' is used in a similar way to the English word 'drag'. It can refer to the act of pulling or moving something along a surface, often with some effort or resistance. For example, you might 'ziehen' a heavy suitcase across the floor, or 'ziehen' a child on a sled through the snow. It can also be used metaphorically, as in 'to drag oneself' to a place, meaning to go there reluctantly or with difficulty.

Here's how to use it:

• Wir ziehen um.
• Ziehen Sie bitte eine Nummer.
• Er zieht den Wagen.

zentral

The German word 'zentral' is an adjective that translates to 'central' in English. It is used to describe something that is located in the middle or at the center, or something that is of great importance or influence. For example, 'die zentrale Lage' means 'the central location' and 'die zentrale Rolle' means 'the central role'. 'Zentral' can also be used as an adverb, meaning 'centrally', as in 'zentral verwaltet' which means 'centrally managed'.

Here's how to use it:

• Die Wohnung ist zentral gelegen.
• Die Zentralbank steuert die Geldpolitik.
• Dieses Thema ist zentral für unseren Erfolg.

vorher

The German word 'vorher' is used to express something that occurred before a specific event or time. It is often translated as 'prior' or 'before' in English. It can be used in various contexts, such as 'Ich war vorher im Kino' (I was at the cinema before) or 'Vorher wusste ich nichts davon' (I knew nothing about it before).

Here's how to use it:

• Ich habe sie vorher gesehen
• Er hätte das vorher wissen müssen
• Rufen Sie mich vorher an

Mitternacht

Mitternacht is the German word for midnight. It is used to refer to the exact moment when one day ends and the next day begins. It is often used in contexts where precise timing is important, such as in schedules or timetables. Additionally, Mitternacht is also used in expressions and idioms, such as 'um Mitternacht', which means 'at midnight'.

Here's how to use it:

• Es ist fast Mitternacht, wir sollten nach Hause gehen.
• Ich arbeite bis Mitternacht.
• Die Party beginnt um Mitternacht.

Was ist groß, grau und interessiert niemanden? Ein Irrelephant.