01
jahrhundertelang
for centuries
Describes a period of time that extends over several centuries.
example
Diese Tradition wurde in dem kleinen Dorf jahrhundertelang gepflegt.
This tradition was maintained in the small village for centuries.
jahrhundertelang
for centuries
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is composed of 'Jahrhunderte' (centuries, plural of Jahrhundert) and 'lang' (long). Its literal meaning is therefore 'for a span of centuries'.
EXAMPLE
Die Burg thront jahrhundertelang über der Stadt.
The castle has towered over the town for centuries.
Adverb or adjective
'Jahrhundertelang' (for centuries / centuries-long) can be used as an adverb (unchanged) or as an adjective before a noun (with a declension ending).
EXAMPLE
Die Familie lebte jahrhundertelang in diesem Haus.
The family lived in this house for centuries.
Productive pattern
The structure '[time period] + lang' is very common in German. It can be formed with many units of time, for example: 'tagelang' (for days), 'wochenlang' (for weeks), 'monatelang' (for months), 'jahrelang' (for years).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Sturm waren wir tagelang ohne Strom.
After the storm, we were without electricity for days.
Compare with
jahrhundertelang vs jahrelang
for years
'jahrelang' and 'jahrhundertelang' both describe a very long duration. The difference is the length of the period of time. 'jahrelang' means several years and fits well with a human life, a job, an illness, or a friendship. 'jahrhundertelang' means several centuries and is more suitable for history, traditions, buildings, or old customs. Learners may confuse the words because both begin with 'Jahr' and express a long time. The important point is: 'jahrelang' is long, but 'jahrhundertelang' is much longer.
jahrhundertelang
Diese Burg stand jahrhundertelang auf dem Hügel über der Stadt.
This castle stood for centuries on the hill above the town.
jahrelang
Luisa hat jahrelang für diese Prüfung gelernt.
Luisa studied for this exam for years.
In real life
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