ständig
constant
Continuing without interruption or repeating at short intervals; continuous or very frequent.
EXAMPLE
Der ständige Lärm von der Straße macht mich nervös.
The constant noise from the street makes me nervous.
ständig
constant
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
The word 'ständig' (constant/constantly) is derived from the verb 'stehen' (to stand). The basic idea is that something 'stehen bleibt' (stays in place) and does not change, so it is permanent or ongoing.
EXAMPLE
Wir stehen in ständigem Kontakt.
We are in constant contact.
Adjective and adverb
'Ständig' (constant/constantly) can stand as an adjective before a noun or as an adverb describing a verb. The form of the word does not change in this use.
EXAMPLE
Der ständige Regen ist deprimierend.
The constant rain is depressing.
Negative emphasis
Although 'ständig' (constant/constantly) can be neutral, it is very often used to express annoyance or frustration about something that repeats frequently and is disturbing.
EXAMPLE
Mein Nachbar hört ständig laute Musik.
My neighbor is constantly listening to loud music.
Compare with
immerstetslaufenddauerhaftdauerndstetigpermanentdurchgehendbeständigununterbrochenfortlaufendimmerzupausenlosnonstopfortwährendunentwegtunaufhörlich
ständig vs immer
always
Immer and ständig can describe frequently repeated actions. Immer emphasizes that the action happens on every relevant occasion; ständig highlights a very high frequency or almost continuous repetition and can sound annoyed.
ständig
Paul unterbricht mich ständig, während ich das Problem erkläre.
Paul constantly interrupts me while I am explaining the problem.
immer
Paul unterbricht mich immer, wenn ich das Problem erkläre.
Paul always interrupts me when I explain the problem.
In real life
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