01
die Laufzeit
term
The fixed period for which a contract, agreement, or financial product (e.g., a loan) is valid.
example
Mein Handyvertrag hat eine Mindestlaufzeit von 24 Monaten.
My mobile phone contract has a minimum term of 24 months.
die Laufzeit
runtime / term
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word composition
The word consists of 'Lauf' (from the verb 'laufen' — to run) and 'Zeit' (time). It literally describes the time during which something 'läuft' (runs), meaning it is active, valid, or moving. This basic idea connects all meanings.
EXAMPLE
Die lange Laufzeit des Akkus war ein wichtiges Kaufargument.
The long battery life was an important selling point.
Typical verbs
In all meanings, 'Laufzeit' (runtime/term) is very often used with the verbs 'haben' (to have) or 'betragen' (to amount to/be) to indicate duration.
EXAMPLE
Der Kredit hat eine Laufzeit von zehn Jahren.
The loan has a term of ten years.
Context: contracts
When it is about contracts, loans, or subscriptions, this meaning is intended. Signal words here are 'Monate' (months), 'Jahre' (years), 'kündigen' (to cancel), or 'verlängern' (to extend).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe die Laufzeit meines Abonnements um ein weiteres Jahr verlängert.
I extended the term of my subscription by another year.
Context: media
In connection with films, series, podcasts, or plays, 'Laufzeit' (runtime) describes the duration of the performance or screening. Signal words here are 'Minuten' (minutes), 'Stunden' (hours), or the name of the medium itself.
EXAMPLE
Die erste Folge der Serie hat eine Laufzeit von 55 Minuten.
The first episode of the series has a runtime of 55 minutes.
Context: technology
When it is about technical devices, it usually refers to 'Akku-Laufzeit' (battery life), meaning how long a device works without being connected to power. The duration of a computer process can also be described this way.
EXAMPLE
Die Akku-Laufzeit meines neuen Handys ist beeindruckend.
The battery life of my new phone is impressive.
Register: technical language
This meaning of 'Laufzeit' (travel time) is used almost exclusively in technical or physics-related specialist contexts, for example when measuring signals (GPS, radar) or sound waves.
EXAMPLE
Aus der Laufzeit des Echos kann man die Entfernung zum Hindernis berechnen.
The distance to the obstacle can be calculated from the travel time of the echo.
Compare with
Laufzeit vs Länge
length
'die Länge' and 'die Laufzeit' can both describe a duration in time. 'die Länge' is more general and fits, for example, with a film, a conversation, or a text. 'die Laufzeit' is used more when a period of time is fixed or something runs for a certain time: a contract, a loan, a program, an exhibition, or a film. The words can be confused with films because both are possible. In contracts or technology, however, 'Laufzeit' sounds more precise and natural.
Laufzeit
Die Laufzeit des neuen Handyvertrags beträgt zwei Jahre.
The term of the new mobile phone contract is two years.
Länge
Am Morgen spricht die Fahrerin über die Länge der Pause.
In the morning, the driver talks about the length of the break.
In real life
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