German Phrase
Der Winter fängt im Dezember an.
Meaning
This sentence describes the temporal start of the winter season. It utilizes the separable verb 'anfangen' to indicate that a specific period of time is commencing.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing the calendar, weather patterns, or seasonal changes. It is appropriate for both casual conversation and factual descriptions.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Der Winterfängtim Dezemberan
Separable Verbs (anfangen)
The verb 'anfangen' is separable. In a main clause, the base 'fängt' stays in the second position, while the prefix 'an' moves to the very end.
Temporal Prepositions (im)
'Im' is a contraction of 'in dem'. It is the standard way to express 'in' with months and seasons in German.
🗨In Conversation
Wann wird es endlich richtig kalt?
When is it finally going to get really cold?
Der Winter fängt im Dezember an.
Winter begins in December.
✕Common Mistakes
Der Winter anfangt im Dezember.
In German, the prefix 'an-' must move to the end of the sentence when using the verb 'anfangen' in the present tense.
Der Winter fängt in Dezember an.
When referring to months, German uses 'im' (a contraction of 'in dem') rather than just 'in'.
↔Alternatives
Der Winter beginnt im Dezember.
Winter begins in December (using a non-separable verb).
Im Dezember fängt der Winter an.
In December, winter begins (emphasizing the month).
Cultural Tip
In German-speaking countries, the 'meteorological' start of winter is December 1st, while the 'astronomical' start is usually December 21st. This month is also culturally significant due to the many 'Weihnachtsmärkte' (Christmas markets) that open across the region.