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als — meaning in English: as
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neutral
very common
Usage
Native speakers often use 'als' in comparative statements or when making analogies. For instance, a German speaker might say, 'Er ist stärker als sie,' meaning 'He is stronger than she.' It's also common in situations where someone describes their role or identity, such as 'Ich arbeite als Lehrer' ('I work as a teacher').
Synonyms & nuances
'Als' is often compared to 'wie', which also means 'as' or 'like.' However, 'als' is typically used for comparisons of inequality, while 'wie' is used for similes or comparisons of equality. For example, you would say, 'Er ist größer als ich' (He is taller than I), but 'Er läuft wie ein Wind' (He runs like the wind).
Culture
'Als' has its roots in Old High German, where it was used to indicate comparison and identity. Interestingly, in German fairy tales and folklore, 'als' plays a crucial role in stories that compare characters' qualities, illustrating moral lessons through comparisons. This linguistic feature reflects the importance of storytelling in German culture, where comparisons often enhance the narrative.
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