von klein auf
Translation
from a young age, since childhood
Examples
Er spielt von klein auf Klavier.
He has been playing the piano since he was a child.
Grammar Patterns
[von klein auf] from a young age He has played the piano from a young age.
Similar Words
Synonyms: seit der Kindheit (since childhood), von Kindesbeinen an (from infancy)
Etymology
Literally 'from small on'. It's composed of 'von' (from), 'klein' (small), and 'auf' (on/up).
Memory Tips
Picture a small child growing 'up' ('auf') 'from' ('von') a 'small' ('klein') age. It marks the starting point of a lifelong activity.