JEDER Meaning and
Definition
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Jeder is a German pronoun that translates to "every" or "each" in English. It is used to refer to all individuals or objects within a specified group or category.
In its basic form, jeder functions as a singular pronoun and is commonly used as a subject or an object in a sentence. It agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For instance, "jeder Mann" means "every man," while "jede Frau" translates to "each woman."
Jeder can also be used as an indefinite quantifier, indicating a non-specific or generic quantity. In this context, it serves as an adjective modifying a noun phrase. For example, "jeder Tag" means "every day," and "jedes Mal" translates to "each time."
When used with a verb, jeder takes the form "jeder + verb" and functions as the subject of the sentence. For instance, "Jeder kann es tun" means "Everyone can do it."
In addition to its use as a pronoun and quantifier, jeder can also function adjectivally to reinforce the meaning of another adjective. In this case, it roughly translates to "entire" or "whole." For example, "jeder einzelne" means "every single" or "each individual."
Overall, jeder is a versatile word that allows German speakers to express the concept of "every" or "each" in a variety of grammatical contexts.
Etymology of JEDER
The word "jeder" is derived from the Old High German word "jeheder" (later spelled as "jedar" or "jedher") and can be broken down as follows:
- "je" is a comparative adverb meaning "ever" or "always".
- "der" is a definite article meaning "the".
Thus, "jeder" signifies "each" or "every" in modern German. It is important to note that the spelling of this word has altered throughout history, but its root meaning and usage have remained relatively consistent in the German language.
