permanent / open-ended
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permanent
Without a time limit; valid for an indefinite period. Mostly used for employment contracts.
Nach der Probezeit erhielt sie einen unbefristeten Arbeitsvertrag.
After the probationary period, she received a permanent employment contract.
The word is made up of three parts: the prefix 'un-' (not), the word stem of 'Frist' (time limit/deadline), and the adjective ending. 'Befristet' means 'limited in time', and 'unbefristet' is the exact opposite: 'without a time limit'.
Ein unbefristeter Vertrag gibt dem Arbeitnehmer mehr Sicherheit.
A permanent contract gives the employee more security.
This adjective is most commonly used in a professional context. The most important combination is 'unbefristeter Arbeitsvertrag' (permanent employment contract). Other typical nouns are 'Stelle' (position), 'Anstellung' (employment), or also 'Mietvertrag' (rental agreement/lease).
Nach der Probezeit hofft sie auf eine unbefristete Anstellung.
After the probationary period, she hopes for permanent employment.
The word 'unbefristet' belongs to formal administrative and business language. You find it especially in contracts, official documents, and employment law.
Die Aufenthaltserlaubnis ist unbefristet gültig.
The residence permit is valid indefinitely.
permanent / lasting
'dauerhaft' and 'unbefristet' can both mean that something does not apply only for a short time. 'dauerhaft' is broader and describes many states or solutions that remain in place for a long time. 'unbefristet' is more specific: there is no fixed end date. The word is used especially for contracts, positions, or permits. An 'unbefristeter Vertrag' (permanent / open-ended contract) can be lasting, but 'dauerhaft' does not automatically say anything about an official end date.
Im Büro hat Anna endlich einen unbefristeten Arbeitsvertrag unterschrieben.
At the office, Anna finally signed a permanent employment contract.
Die Kundin möchte dauerhaft weniger Papierpost bekommen.
The customer would like to receive less paper mail permanently.