ewig
ages
Used colloquially as an exaggeration to describe a period of time that feels very long.
EXAMPLE
Ich warte schon ewig auf eine Antwort von dir!
I've been waiting ages for an answer from you!
ewig
eternal / ages
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Meanings
ewig
eternal
Means without an end in time, lasting forever. Often used in a philosophical or religious context.
EXAMPLE
Manche Religionen versprechen ihren Anhängern das ewige Leben.
Some religions promise their followers eternal life.
ewig
perpetual
Describes a quality or state that is perceived as constant and unchanging.
EXAMPLE
Er ist der ewige Student und beendet sein Studium einfach nicht.
He is the perpetual student and simply never finishes his degree.
Usage tips
Use as an adverb
'Ewig' (eternal / for ages) can stand not only as an adjective before a noun, but also as an adverb that modifies a verb. It then means 'a very long time'.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben ewig nicht mehr miteinander gesprochen.
We haven't spoken to each other in ages.
Colloquial exaggeration
In everyday language, 'ewig' (for ages) is often used as an exaggeration (hyperbole) for a long but limited period of time. It usually expresses impatience or surprise and is often combined with 'schon' (already).
EXAMPLE
Der Bus braucht heute wieder ewig!
The bus is taking ages again today!
Philosophical context
The literal meaning 'für immer' (forever) is mostly used in philosophical, poetic, or religious contexts. Typical combinations are 'ewige Liebe' (eternal love), 'ewiger Frieden' (eternal peace), or 'ewige Dunkelheit' (eternal darkness).
EXAMPLE
Sie schlossen einen Bund für die ewige Freundschaft.
They formed a bond of eternal friendship.
Characterizing people
In this meaning, 'ewig' (perpetual) describes an unchanging quality of a person, often seen as slightly negative or ironic. It is then placed directly before a noun that describes the person.
EXAMPLE
Er ist der ewige Optimist, selbst wenn alles schiefgeht.
He is the perpetual optimist, even when everything goes wrong.
Compare with
ewig vs dauerhaft
permanent / lasting
Ewig refers to a duration without an end in time. Dauerhaft means that something remains in place for a long time and stably, rather than being merely temporary; it does not rule out an eventual end. Ewig fits an unlimited duration, while dauerhaft fits a long-term practical effect.
ewig
Im Märchen soll der Zauber ewig wirken.
In the fairy tale, the spell is supposed to last forever.
dauerhaft
Nach der Reparatur soll die Abdichtung dauerhaft wirken.
After the repair, the seal is supposed to remain effective for a long time.
In real life
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