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
die Laufzeit
runtime
The duration of a film screening, theater performance, or exhibition.
EXAMPLE
Der neue Superheldenfilm hat eine Laufzeit von fast drei Stunden.
The new superhero film has a runtime of almost three hours.
die Laufzeit
runtime / battery life
The period of time during which a technical device, computer program, or process is active or running.
EXAMPLE
Die Akku-Laufzeit meines Laptops beträgt bei normaler Nutzung etwa acht Stunden.
The battery life of my laptop is about eight hours with normal use.
die Laufzeit
travel time
In physics and technology, the time a signal, particle, or wave needs to cover a certain distance.
EXAMPLE
Die Messung der Signal-Laufzeit zwischen Satellit und Empfänger ist die Grundlage für GPS.
Measuring the signal travel time between the satellite and the receiver is the basis for GPS.
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 Dauer
duration
„Die Dauer“ is the general term for how long something lasts. For a contract, „die Laufzeit“ usually refers to the fixed period during which it is valid. Use „Dauer“ for a neutral statement about length of time; for the agreed term of a contract, „Laufzeit“ is usually the better choice.
Laufzeit
Die Laufzeit des Vertrags ist auf zwei Jahre festgelegt.
The contract term is set at two years.
Dauer
Die Dauer des Vertrags beträgt zwei Jahre.
The contract lasts for two years.
In real life
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