German Phrase
Es war der erste Januar.
Meaning
This phrase uses the German Präteritum (simple past) form of the verb 'sein' to state a date in the past. It is a factual statement typically used to set a scene or define a starting point for a story or memory.
When to use
Use this phrase when providing a chronological context for past events, such as in a diary entry, a historical account, or when telling a story about New Year's Day.
✦Grammar Breakdown
EswarderersteJanuar
Präteritum (war)
'War' is the simple past form of 'sein' (to be), which is preferred over the perfect tense for this specific verb even in spoken German.
Ordinal Numbers
Dates in German always use ordinal numbers; 'erste' is the inflected form of 'erst-' used with masculine singular nouns in the nominative.
🗨In Conversation
Wann hast du ihn zum letzten Mal gesehen?
When did you see him for the last time?
Es war der erste Januar.
It was the first of January.
✕Common Mistakes
Es war der eins Januar.
In German dates, you must use ordinal numbers (erste) instead of cardinal numbers (eins).
Es war am erste Januar.
While 'am ersten' is used for 'on the first', the nominative 'der erste' is the correct complement for the verb 'war' in this context.
↔Alternatives
Es handelte sich um den ersten Januar.
It was the first of January (more formal).
Am ersten Januar war es.
On the first of January it was.
Cultural Tip
In Germany, the first of January (Neujahr) is a public holiday characterized by quiet rest following the loud fireworks of Silvester (New Year's Eve). It is a traditional day for a 'Neujahrsspaziergang' (New Year's walk) with family or friends.