incessant
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incessant
Continuing without interruption or pause; constant and ongoing.
Der unaufhörliche Lärm von der Baustelle machte es unmöglich, sich zu konzentrieren.
The incessant noise from the construction site made it impossible to concentrate.
The word is built logically: the prefix 'un-' negates the verb 'aufhören' (to stop). The ending '-lich' makes it an adjective. 'Unaufhörlich' (incessant) therefore literally means 'not stopping'.
Der unaufhörliche Regen dauerte drei Tage lang.
The incessant rain lasted for three days.
'Unaufhörlich' (incessantly) is very often used as an adverb to describe a verb. It usually comes directly after the conjugated verb or in the middle field of the sentence.
Das Baby weinte unaufhörlich die ganze Nacht.
The baby cried incessantly all night.
This word often describes negative or neutral, ongoing phenomena. Typical combinations are 'unaufhörlicher Lärm' (incessant noise), 'unaufhörlicher Regen' (incessant rain), or verbs such as 'unaufhörlich fließen' (to flow incessantly) and 'unaufhörlich klagen' (to complain incessantly).
Sein unaufhörliches Klagen über die Arbeit nervt die Kollegen.
His incessant complaining about work annoys his colleagues.
'Unaufhörlich' (incessant/incessantly) belongs more to written language or an elevated style. It often sounds somewhat more formal or dramatic.
Die Glocken läuteten unaufhörlich zum Gedenken an die Opfer.
The bells rang incessantly in memory of the victims.
constant
Ständig and unaufhörlich can describe an ongoing event. Ständig is broader and can also refer to frequent repetitions with short pauses, while unaufhörlich emphasizes uninterrupted duration more strongly. Use ständig for repeated occurrences and unaufhörlich when something continues without a pause.
Der Mann hustete während des ganzen Films unaufhörlich.
The man coughed incessantly throughout the film.
Das ständige Husten des Mannes unterbrach den Film immer wieder.
The man's constant coughing kept interrupting the film.
