der Marathon
marathon
A long-distance race over an official distance of 42.195 kilometers.
EXAMPLE
Sie bereitet sich seit einem Jahr auf ihren ersten Marathon vor.
She has been preparing for her first marathon for a year.
der Marathon
marathon
der Marathon, die Marathons
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Meanings
der Marathon
marathon
In a figurative sense, a very long, exhausting activity or event requiring endurance.
EXAMPLE
Die nächtliche Sitzung zur Klärung des Budgets wurde zu einem echten Marathon.
The overnight meeting to clarify the budget turned into a real marathon.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Marathon, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Marathons |
| genitive | des Marathons |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Marathon | die Marathons |
| accusative | den Marathon | die Marathons |
| dative | dem Marathon | den Marathons |
| genitive | des Marathons | der Marathons |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Cultural context
The name 'Marathon' comes from a Greek legend. A messenger is said to have run from the city of Marathon to Athens after a battle to deliver the news of the victory. This knowledge helps you understand the meaning of 'long, exhausting run.'
EXAMPLE
Die Geschichte des Marathonlaufs ist faszinierend.
The history of the marathon race is fascinating.
Typical verbs
In a sports context, 'Marathon' (marathon) is often combined with certain verbs. You can say 'einen Marathon laufen' (to run a marathon), 'für einen Marathon trainieren' (to train for a marathon), or 'einen Marathon absolvieren/finishen' (to complete/finish a marathon).
EXAMPLE
Mein Bruder trainiert dreimal pro Woche, um einen Marathon zu laufen.
My brother trains three times a week to run a marathon.
Figurative meaning
The characteristics of the race — long, exhausting, and requiring endurance — are transferred to other activities. A 'Marathon' (marathon) can therefore be any activity that costs a lot of time and energy.
EXAMPLE
Vor der Prüfung hatten wir einen richtigen Lernmarathon.
Before the exam, we had a real study marathon.
Compound words
In the figurative meaning, 'Marathon' (marathon) is often used as the second part of a compound noun to emphasize a long duration. Examples are 'Sitzungsmarathon' (meeting marathon), 'Verhandlungsmarathon' (negotiation marathon), or 'Filmmarathon' (film/movie marathon).
EXAMPLE
Am Wochenende machen wir einen Filmmarathon und schauen alle Teile der Trilogie.
At the weekend, we're having a movie marathon and watching all parts of the trilogy.
In real life
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