Deutsche Urlaubsmutter meckert im Hotel am Strand

What does “in die Jahre gekommen” mean in German?

When a German says something is “in die Jahre gekommen,” they don’t mean it literally — they mean it has aged and looks worn or out of date. In this clip the holiday mum complains, “Gott, das Hotel ist aber auch so in die Jahre gekommen,” meaning the hotel has gotten old and shabby. It’s a polite, slightly tired way to say “this has seen better days.” It works for buildings, cars, clothes — and gently for people too.

“Gott, das Hotel ist aber auch so in die Jahre gekommen.” — “God, this hotel really has gotten so old and worn.” The phrase points at age and wear without saying “alt” (old) bluntly. It sounds softer, almost like an excuse: the thing is just showing its years. “Mein Auto ist ziemlich in die Jahre gekommen.” — “My car is pretty old and worn now.” “Der Spielplatz ist in die Jahre gekommen.” — “The playground has seen better days.” Usage: most often for objects and places. Used for a person, it’s a gentle, sometimes joking way to say they’re getting older — softer than calling someone “alt.”