die Ewigkeit
eternity
A state or period of time without beginning and without end; infinite duration.
EXAMPLE
Manche Religionen lehren, dass die Seele für die Ewigkeit weiterlebt.
Some religions teach that the soul lives on for eternity.
die Ewigkeit
eternity
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Meanings
die Ewigkeit
ages
Colloquially, a very long period of time that feels endless.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben eine Ewigkeit im Stau gestanden.
We were stuck in traffic for ages.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Die Ewigkeit' (eternity) is derived from the adjective 'ewig' (eternal). The ending '-keit' is a typical way to form abstract, feminine nouns from adjectives that describe a state or quality.
EXAMPLE
Manche Menschen glauben an ein ewiges Leben nach dem Tod.
Some people believe in eternal life after death.
Fixed expressions
In the philosophical or religious meaning, 'Ewigkeit' (eternity) is often used in fixed expressions such as 'für die Ewigkeit' (for eternity) or 'bis in alle Ewigkeit' (for all eternity).
EXAMPLE
Diese alten Steinbauten scheinen für die Ewigkeit gemacht zu sein.
These old stone buildings seem to have been made for eternity.
Register: colloquial language
The use of 'Ewigkeit' (eternity) for a very long but limited period of time is colloquial and exaggerated. It is often used to express impatience or the length of a wait.
EXAMPLE
Der Bus hat heute Morgen eine Ewigkeit auf sich warten lassen.
The bus took ages to arrive this morning.
Typical use
In the colloquial meaning, the indefinite article 'eine' (an/a) is almost always used. Typical verbs in this context are 'dauern' (to last/take) or 'warten' (to wait).
EXAMPLE
Es hat eine Ewigkeit gedauert, bis ich endlich einen Parkplatz gefunden habe.
It took ages before I finally found a parking space.
Compare with
Ewigkeit vs Unendlichkeit
infinity
Both words can express a seemingly or actually endless duration. „Die Ewigkeit“ mainly refers to time and is also used for a very long period that feels endless. „Die Unendlichkeit“ is more general and can additionally refer to space, quantities, or other forms of limitlessness.
Ewigkeit
Nach dem langen Warten kam es mir wie eine Ewigkeit vor.
After the long wait, it felt like an eternity to me.
Unendlichkeit
Beim Blick in den klaren Nachthimmel dachte sie über die Unendlichkeit des Weltraums nach.
As she gazed at the clear night sky, she thought about the infinity of outer space.
In real life
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