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German Phrase

Dieser Dezember ist kälter als sonst.

/ˈdiːzɐ ˈdeːt͡sɛmɐ ɪst ˈkɛltɐ alˈzɔnst/
Meaning"This December is colder than usual."
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Meaning

The sentence states that the current December is colder than what is typical for December. It implies a noticeable drop in temperature compared to previous Decembers or the usual climate.

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When to use

Use this phrase when talking about the weather this month, comparing it to past Decembers, planning winter activities, or discussing climate trends with friends, family, or colleagues.

✦Grammar Breakdown

DieserDezemberistkälteralssonst

1

Demonstrativpronomen (Dieser)

„Dieser“ is a demonstrative pronoun in nominative masculine singular; it must agree with the noun it modifies (Dezember).

2

Nomen (Dezember)

„Dezember“ is a masculine noun; in this sentence it is the subject, so it stays in the nominative case.

3

Verb „sein“ (ist)

„ist“ is the 3rd‑person singular present of the verb „sein“ and links the subject with the predicate adjective.

4

Komparativ (kälter)

„kälter“ is the comparative form of the adjective „kalt“; it is used for direct comparison.

5

Vergleichspartikel (als)

In German comparisons the particle „als“ follows a comparative adjective (kälter als …).

6

Adverb (sonst)

„sonst“ means “normally/usually”. In comparisons it translates to “than usual”.

🗨In Conversation

A

Wie ist das Wetter diesen Dezember?

How's the weather this December?

Dieser Dezember ist kälter als sonst.

This December is colder than usual.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Diesem Dezember ist kälter als sonst.

    The demonstrative pronoun must be nominative because it is the subject of the sentence.

  • Dieser Dezember ist kälter wie sonst.

    In German comparisons with a comparative adjective you use „als“, not „wie“.

  • Dieser Dezember ist kälter als sonst.

    Do not translate „sonst“ as “else”; in this context it means “usually”.

↔Alternatives

  • Im Dezember ist es kälter als sonst.

    In December it is colder than usual.

  • Der diesjährige Dezember ist ungewöhnlich kalt.

    This year's December is unusually cold.

  • Der Dezember ist dieses Jahr kälter als üblich.

    December this year is colder than usual.

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Cultural Tip

Weather talk is a staple of small‑talk in German‑speaking countries. Using „als sonst“ is perfectly natural in both informal conversation and written reports. In more formal contexts you might prefer „als üblich“ or „als gewöhnlich“. Remember that German speakers often add a brief personal comment after the statement, e.g., „... – das ist nicht gut für die Pflanzen.“