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Zeitzeuge

eyewitness of a historical period

noun TSAIT-tsoi-geh Rare
Time Time Expressions

Usage Note

Zeitzeuge refers to a person who has lived through and can personally attest to a historical period. Schools and media frequently invite Zeitzeugen to give testimonials; the term carries a sense of moral and historical authenticity.

Examples

"Der Zeitzeuge schilderte eindrücklich, wie es war, die Berliner Mauer fallen zu sehen."

Natural Translation

The eyewitness described vividly what it was like to see the Berlin Wall fall.

Literal Translation

The time-witness described impressively how it was to see the Berlin Wall fall.

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