Prägezeit

formative period

noun PRAE-ge-tsayt Rare

Also means

time that shapes the mind

Usage Note

Prägezeit refers to the period in a person's life -- often childhood or adolescence -- that most strongly shapes their personality, values, and cognitive patterns. The verb prägen (to shape/stamp) underlies the concept.

Examples

"Die Erlebnisse der Prägezeit hinterlassen bleibende Spuren im Gedächtnis."

Natural Translation

The experiences of the formative period leave lasting traces in the memory.

Literal Translation

The experiences of-the formative-period leave lasting traces in the memory.

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