Understanding “seit” in German
Definition and Usage
Seit is a preposition in German that means “since” or “for” when referring to time. It is used to indicate the starting point of an action or event that continues into the present. “Seit” is always followed by a time expression (such as a date, a specific point in time, or a duration) and is typically used with the present tense in German.
Examples with “seit”
- Ich wohne seit 2015 in Berlin. (I have lived in Berlin since 2015.)
- Seit einer Woche lerne ich Deutsch. (I have been learning German for a week.)
- Wir sind seit gestern hier. (We have been here since yesterday.)
Key Points
- “Seit” answers the question: Since when? or For how long?
- It is always followed by a noun or a time expression, not a clause.
- Commonly used with the present tense, as the action typically continues into the present.
Understanding “seitdem” in German
Definition and Usage
Seitdem is a subordinating conjunction or an adverb in German, also translating to “since” in English. Unlike “seit,” “seitdem” is used to introduce a subordinate clause that describes when something started. The event in the subordinate clause sets the starting point, and another action or state has continued since then.
Examples with “seitdem”
- Seitdem ich in Berlin wohne, spreche ich besser Deutsch. (Since I have lived in Berlin, I speak better German.)
- Er ist krank gewesen, seitdem er nach Hause zurückgekehrt ist. (He has been ill since he returned home.)
- Sie arbeitet hier, seitdem sie ihr Studium beendet hat. (She has been working here since she finished her studies.)
Key Points
- “Seitdem” introduces a full subordinate clause (with subject and verb).
- It answers the question: Since when? but with reference to an event or action, not just a time expression.
- As a conjunction, it sends the verb to the end of the clause.
Seit vs. Seitdem: The Main Differences
Grammatical Function
- Seit is a preposition followed by a noun or a time expression.
- Seitdem is a conjunction or adverb that introduces a subordinate clause.
Structure in Sentences
- With “seit”:
Ich arbeite seit einem Jahr hier. (I have been working here for a year.) - With “seitdem”:
Seitdem ich hier arbeite, habe ich viele neue Dinge gelernt. (Since I have been working here, I have learned many new things.)
Summary Table
| Word | Type | Follows | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| seit | Preposition | Noun/time expression | Seit 2020 lerne ich Deutsch. |
| seitdem | Conjunction/adverb | Subordinate clause | Seitdem ich Deutsch lerne, habe ich viele Freunde gefunden. |
Tips for Mastering “seit” and “seitdem”
- Remember that “seit” is always followed by a noun or a time phrase, not a verb.
- Use “seitdem” to connect two actions or events, with a subordinate clause providing the context.
- Practice by writing your own sentences and checking them with tools like Talkpal’s AI-powered feedback to reinforce correct usage.
- Listen to native speakers or German language podcasts to hear how these words are used in context.
Conclusion
Distinguishing between “seit” and “seitdem” is a common hurdle for German learners, but with practice and clear understanding, it becomes much easier. Remember: “seit” is for time expressions, while “seitdem” connects events or actions with clauses. By applying the rules and practicing with real examples—using resources like the Talkpal AI language learning blog—you’ll be able to use both words confidently and correctly in your German conversations.
