während

Based on: währen
Adverb
  1. during
  2. while, whilst
1.

during

(As a preposition - Goes with Genitive but you often find it with Dative in daily life.)
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Examples
  • Während meiner Präsentation sind die Leute eingeschlafen.
  • During my presentation people fell asleep.
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2.

while, whilst

(Both, in a temporal sense as well as for contrasts.)
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Examples
  • Ich bin sauer, weil du, während ich den Abwasch gemacht habe, nur dumm rumgesessen hast.
  • I am mad because while I was doing the dishes you did but sit around like an idiot.
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Sources for Etymology:

My Articles

Word of the Day – “dauern”

A fun look at the meaning of "dauern" and how to use it as a translation for "to take time" . Also: some cardio. Condolences :).

Vocab: dauern, die Dauer, dauernd, andauern, die Ausdauer, während, bedauern,...

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Questions and Comments

Do you have questions about the usage or meaning of “während”? Just ask here and I’ll try to clear it up.

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johnathanflaker
johnathanflaker

There are two während dictionary cards on this site. one has one definition and the other two. one card refers to dative and the other genetive?

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Emanuel
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Emanuel
Reply to  johnathanflaker

Oh, great, one of the few remaining doubles. Thanks a lot for letting me know, I deleted one of them.

And it goes with Genitive, but in daily life people also often use Dative. I have made that more precise now.

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How many meanings does the German word 'während' have?

während has 2 distinct meanings: 1. during, 2. while, whilst.

What is 'während' related to?

The word 'während' is related to währen.

Where can I learn more about 'während'?

Here are some articles where you can learn more about 'während':

Word of the Day – “dauern”
A fun look at the meaning of "dauern" and how to use it as a translation for "to take time" . Also: some cardio. Condolences :).
Vocab: dauern, die Dauer, dauernd, andauern, die Ausdauer, während, bedauern,...
Read article