In German
alt
Meaning: old
Formal or informal? “Alt” is used for age and for old things. For a person who isn't old, use “jung”.
Example sentences
IchbindreißigJahrealt.
I am thirty years old.
DasisteinalterFreundvonmir.
That is an old friend of mine.
DasHausdortistsehralt.
The house over there is very old.
Grammar note
“Alt” takes agreeing endings before a noun: “ein alter Freund” (masculine), “eine alte Frau” (feminine), “ein altes Haus” (neuter). For age, use “sein” with the number: “Ich bin dreißig Jahre alt”.
Common mistake
Don't say “Ich habe dreißig Jahre” for your age. Say “Ich bin dreißig Jahre alt”, with “alt” at the end.
Quick check
Which German word means “old”?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
How do you say “I am 30 years old” in German?
“Ich bin dreißig Jahre alt”, using “sein” and “alt”.
What is the comparative of “alt”?
“Älter” (older) and “am ältesten” (oldest). The umlaut appears in both.