infinity
Loading your saved state.
infinity
The state of being without end, boundary, or limit, especially with regard to time, space, or quantity.
Die Vorstellung von der Unendlichkeit des Universums fasziniert die Menschen seit jeher.
The idea of the infinity of the universe has always fascinated people.
The word can be broken down logically: The prefix 'un-' negates 'Ende' (end). The endings '-lich' and '-keit' turn it into a noun. So it literally describes the state of 'Nicht-Endens' (not ending).
Die Unendlichkeit der Wüste war beeindruckend und beängstigend zugleich.
The infinity of the desert was impressive and frightening at the same time.
The literal meaning is found in scientific or philosophical contexts, e.g. 'die Unendlichkeit des Universums' (the infinity of the universe). The figurative meaning of a long period of time can be recognized by verbs of waiting or duration, e.g. 'es dauerte eine Unendlichkeit' (it took an eternity).
Die Mathematikerin hielt einen Vortrag über die Unendlichkeit der Zahlen.
The mathematician gave a lecture on the infinity of numbers.
In the philosophical or astronomical sense, 'Unendlichkeit' (infinity) is often used with a genitive that specifies the area. Typical combinations are 'die Unendlichkeit des Raumes' (the infinity of space) or 'die Unendlichkeit der Zeit' (the infinity of time).
Manche Menschen blicken nachts in die Sterne und denken über die Unendlichkeit des Raumes nach.
Some people look at the stars at night and think about the infinity of space.
In the colloquial meaning, the phrase 'eine halbe Unendlichkeit' (half an eternity) is often used. This intensifies the subjective and exaggerated perception of the long duration.
Wir haben eine halbe Unendlichkeit auf unser Essen gewartet.
We waited half an eternity for our food.
eternity
'Ewigkeit' and 'Unendlichkeit' both describe something without an end or something that feels very long. 'Ewigkeit' is used especially for time: something lasts forever or seems to last forever. 'Unendlichkeit' can also refer to time, but it fits especially well with space, numbers, or quantities without a limit. Learners may confuse the words because both can mean 'without end'. As a simple guideline: for duration and waiting, 'Ewigkeit' often sounds more natural; for space, mathematics, or a limit that does not exist, 'Unendlichkeit' is more precise.
Beim Blick in den klaren Himmel denkt Sofia an die Unendlichkeit des Weltalls.
Looking up at the clear sky, Sofia thinks about the infinity of the universe.
An der Kasse fühlt sich das Warten wie eine Ewigkeit an.
At the checkout, waiting feels like an eternity.