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stundenlang
for hours
Continuing over a period of several hours.
example
Wir haben stundenlang über seine Zukunftspläne diskutiert.
We discussed his plans for the future for hours.
stundenlang
for hours
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is simply built from 'Stunden' (hours, plural of Stunde) and 'lang' (long). It literally means 'for the duration of hours.'
EXAMPLE
Die Reparatur des Autos dauerte stundenlang.
The repair of the car took hours.
Productive pattern
The structure [unit of time] + 'lang' is very productive. Following the same pattern, you can also form 'tagelang' (for days), 'wochenlang' (for weeks), 'monatelang' (for months), and 'jahrelang' (for years).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Sturm waren wir tagelang ohne Strom.
After the storm, we were without power for days.
Sentence position
As an adverb, 'stundenlang' (for hours) usually appears in the middle of the sentence to describe the duration of an action. It can also appear at the beginning of the sentence for emphasis; then the verb follows in second position.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder haben stundenlang im Garten gespielt.
The children played in the garden for hours.
Compare with
stundenlang vs kurzzeitig
brief / temporary
'stundenlang' and 'kurzzeitig' both describe how long something lasts. But they are clearly opposites. 'stundenlang' means that something lasts for several hours and is often perceived as a long time. 'kurzzeitig' means that something happens or applies only for a short time. 'stundenlang' is usually used as an adverb with actions, while 'kurzzeitig' is often used as an adjective for states or changes.
stundenlang
Maria wartet heute stundenlang in der Werkstatt auf ihr Auto.
Maria waits for hours at the repair shop today for her car.
kurzzeitig
Wegen einer Störung ist die Internetverbindung kurzzeitig weg.
Because of a fault, the internet connection is briefly down.
In real life
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