Different Kinds of Seasons

The English noun "the season" has many different meanings, each of which corresponds to a different German word.

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When we speak about spring, autumn, summer, and winter, we use die Jahreszeit.

In der kalten Jahreszeit haben Forelle und Karpfen Herzschlag und Atemfrequenz verlangsamt

In the cold season, trout and carp have slowed their heartbeat and the frequency of their breathing,

Caption 20, Alpenseen: Kühle Schönheiten
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The words die Saison and die Spielzeit also refer to periods of time. In most contexts, die Saison is the broader, more general term, while die Spielzeit is specialized for performing arts and competitive sports seasons.

Und es war auch sehr wichtig, nur Obst und Gemüse zu essen, das grade Saison hatte.

And it was also very important to only eat fruits and vegetables that were in season.

Captions 7-8, Deutsch mit Eylin: Ernährungsformen
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Am Ende Sechsundsiebzig zu Einundsiebzig, der zehnte Sieg im zehnten Heimspiel diese Saison.

In the end seventy-six to seventy-one, the tenth win in ten home games this season.

Captions 44-45, Deutsche Bank Skyliners: Basketball-Bundesliga
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In a previous newsletter, we looked at the word die Staffel, which is used in a television context.

In sechs Staffeln „Briefe von Felix“ hast du dreiundzwanzig Länder auf allen Kontinenten bereist:

In six seasons of "Letters from Felix," you have traveled to twenty-three countries on all continents:

Captions 39-40, Eier aus Stahl KIDS: Umweltsünder mit langen Ohren - Part 1
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And finally, there's the verb "to season," which relates to food.

Vier Stiele Dill, und zum Würzen Salz und Pfeffer aus der Mühle.

Four sprigs of dill, and for seasoning, salt and freshly ground pepper.

Captions 13-14, Bundesländer und ihre Rezepte: Brandenburg
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