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minutenlang
minutes-long
Lasting over a period of several minutes.
example
Nach dem Tor gab es minutenlangen Applaus vom Publikum.
After the goal, there was minutes-long applause from the audience.
minutenlang
minutes-long
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'Minuten' (minutes) and the ending '-lang' (long). This structure is used for many time expressions to describe a duration, e.g. 'stundenlang' (for hours), 'tagelang' (for days), 'jahrelang' (for years).
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder spielten stundenlang im Garten.
The children played in the garden for hours.
Sentence structure and usage
'Minutenlang' can be used as an adverb to describe a verb. It can also stand before a noun as an adjective and is then declined.
EXAMPLE
Er starrte minutenlang auf den Bildschirm.
He stared at the screen for minutes.
Typical collocations
This word is often combined with actions or states whose duration is noticeable. Typical examples are 'minutenlang warten' (to wait for minutes), 'minutenlang schweigen' (to stay silent for minutes), or 'minutenlanges Zögern' (minutes-long hesitation).
EXAMPLE
Wir mussten an der Kasse minutenlang warten.
We had to wait at the checkout for minutes.
Compare with
minutenlang vs kurz
short / brief
'kurz' and 'minutenlang' both describe the duration of something. 'kurz' means that something lasts only a short time. 'minutenlang' means that something lasts several minutes and is therefore often perceived as long or clearly noticeable. So the contrast is: a very short time versus several minutes. 'kurz' fits, for example, with a quick conversation or a short break. 'minutenlang' fits when you want to emphasize that something was not over immediately.
minutenlang
Das Telefon klingelt minutenlang, aber niemand geht ran.
The phone rings for minutes, but no one answers.
kurz
Vor dem Termin ruft mein Bruder kurz an.
Before the appointment, my brother gives me a quick call.
In real life
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