considerable
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a considerable time
A fairly long, substantial period of time. The adjective 'geraum' (considerable) is used almost exclusively in this expression.
Nach einer geraumen Zeit des Wartens kam der Zug endlich an.
After a considerable time spent waiting, the train finally arrived.
The word 'geraum' (considerable) is related to 'der Raum' (space/room). It transfers the idea of a large space to time and thus describes a large 'Zeitraum' (period of time).
Wir brauchen einen großen Raum für die Feier.
We need a large room for the celebration.
Today, the adjective 'geraum' (considerable) is used almost exclusively in the fixed expression 'eine geraume Zeit' (a considerable time). It cannot be freely combined with arbitrary nouns like other adjectives.
Es dauerte eine geraume Zeit, bis alle Gäste eingetroffen waren.
It took a considerable time until all the guests had arrived.
The expression 'eine geraume Zeit' (a considerable time) belongs to a formal or literary style. It is rarely used in everyday spoken language.
Der Gelehrte verbrachte eine geraume Zeit mit dem Studium der alten Schriften.
The scholar spent a considerable time studying the ancient writings.
long
Both words refer to a considerable amount of time. „Lang“ is neutral and can be used freely with different time expressions; „geraum“ is more elevated in style and is used almost exclusively in the fixed expression „eine geraume Zeit“. „Lang“ is usually more suitable in everyday speech, while „geraum“ is used in this expression.
Wir mussten eine geraume Zeit auf den Bus warten.
We had to wait a considerable amount of time for the bus.
Wir mussten lange auf den Bus warten.
We had to wait a long time for the bus.
