This is the 75th most frequent Dutch word.
jaren
"Jaren" means "years" in English.
Here 'jaren' refers to multiple years, highlighting the concept of time passing.
De jaren gaan snel voorbij.
The years pass by quickly.
In this case, 'jaren' is used to indicate a long time in the past, emphasizing a point in history.
Jaren geleden bezocht ik Amsterdam.
Years ago, I visited Amsterdam.
'Jaren' is used here to describe a duration of time extending over many years throughout the subject's experience.