die Dauer
duration
The period of time for which something lasts or continues.
EXAMPLE
Die genaue Dauer der Reparatur ist noch nicht bekannt.
The exact duration of the repair is not yet known.
die Dauer
duration
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Meanings
auf die Dauer
in the long run
Considered over a longer period of time; long-term.
EXAMPLE
Auf die Dauer wird diese provisorische Lösung nicht halten.
In the long run, this temporary solution will not hold.
Usage tips
Word family
'Die Dauer' (duration) is the noun related to the verb 'dauern' (to last). If something 'dauert' (lasts) for a certain time, then that span of time is 'die Dauer' (the duration).
EXAMPLE
Der Film dauert zwei Stunden. Die Dauer beträgt also zwei Stunden.
The film lasts two hours. So the duration is two hours.
Giving a duration
To name a concrete span of time, the preposition 'von' (of) is often used. Another typical phrase is 'von kurzer/langer Dauer sein' (to be of short/long duration).
EXAMPLE
Die Besprechung hatte eine Dauer von nur 30 Minuten.
The meeting had a duration of only 30 minutes.
Fixed expression
The expression 'auf die Dauer' (in the long run) is a fixed phrase and means 'langfristig' (long-term) or 'über eine längere Zeit gesehen' (seen over a longer period of time). It is used to talk about long-term consequences or conditions.
EXAMPLE
Täglicher Stress ist auf die Dauer nicht gesund.
Daily stress is not healthy in the long run.
Compare with
Dauer vs Zeit
time
When referring to an activity, Zeit and Dauer can both describe its length in time. Dauer clearly states how long something lasts. Zeit can mean the same thing, but this interpretation depends on the context; for a clear statement of the length, Dauer is therefore more suitable.
Dauer
Wir messen die Dauer des Vortrags.
We are measuring the duration of the presentation.
Zeit
Wir messen die Zeit, die der Vortrag benötigt.
We are measuring the time the presentation takes.
In real life
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