die Gegenwart
Translation
present, presence
Examples
Wir leben in der Gegenwart.
We live in the present.
Seine Gegenwart machte mich nervös.
His presence made me nervous.
Grammar Patterns
((in der Gegenwart)) in the present. We live in the present.
((in sb's Gegenwart)) in sb's presence. In his presence, she was always quiet.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Jetztzeit (the now), Präsenz (presence); Antonyms: Vergangenheit (past), Zukunft (future)
Etymology
From 'gegen' (towards, against) + '-wart' (a suffix indicating direction or state). The state of being 'present' or 'at hand'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'gegen' as 'right in front of you'. The time that is right in front of you is the present.