long-running favorite / slow-burner
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long-running favorite
Something that remains successful, popular, or relevant over a very long period of time, such as a product, a song, or a topic.
Dieser Song aus den 80ern ist ein echter Dauerbrenner und wird immer noch im Radio gespielt.
This song from the 80s is a real long-running favorite and is still played on the radio.
The word is composed of 'Dauer' (long duration) and 'Brenner' (something that burns). So it literally describes something that burns for a long time. This logic is present in both meanings.
Die Diskussion über Klimaschutz ist ein politischer Dauerbrenner.
The discussion about climate protection is a long-running political issue.
The figurative meaning (something that stays popular for a long time) is much more common today. The technical meaning (a stove) is outdated. The context makes clear what is meant: if people are talking about music and topics, it is the figurative meaning; if they are talking about old heaters and coal, it is the literal one.
Das Thema Geldanlage ist ein Dauerbrenner in den Finanznachrichten.
The topic of investing is a long-running favorite in financial news.
In the figurative meaning, the word is often intensified with 'ein echter' (a real) or used in the phrase 'sich zum Dauerbrenner entwickeln' (to develop into a long-running favorite). It typically refers to songs, films, books, or topics of discussion.
Der Krimi entwickelte sich schnell zum Dauerbrenner im Fernsehen.
The crime series quickly developed into a long-running favorite on television.
classic
'der Klassiker' and 'der Dauerbrenner' can both refer to something that remains well known or popular for a long time. 'Klassiker' often fits works of art, music, or literature that are considered timeless. Colloquially, it can also mean a typical situation that happens again and again. 'Dauerbrenner' puts more emphasis on something remaining successful, popular, or relevant over a long period of time, for example a song, a product, or a topic. The words can be confused because both can have long-lasting significance. 'Klassiker' sounds more like lasting value or typical repetition; 'Dauerbrenner' sounds more like ongoing popularity or relevance.
Dieses Lied ist seit Jahren ein Dauerbrenner auf jeder Party.
This song has been a long-running favorite at every party for years.
Spaghetti mit Tomatensoße sind bei Kindern ein echter Klassiker.
Spaghetti with tomato sauce is a real classic with children.