01
während
while
As a conjunction connecting two actions or events that take place at the same time.
example
Während er kochte, hörte er Musik.
While he was cooking, he listened to music.
während
during / while
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Preposition or conjunction
'Während' (during/while) can be a preposition that comes before a noun, or a conjunction that introduces a subordinate clause. As a conjunction, 'während' sends the verb to the end of the clause.
EXAMPLE
Während des Konzerts hat es geregnet.
It rained during the concert.
Preposition with genitive
As a preposition, 'während' (during) takes the genitive in standard German. In colloquial speech, however, the dative is used very frequently; you often hear it, but you should avoid it in formal texts.
EXAMPLE
Während seiner Rede schliefen einige Zuhörer ein.
During his speech, some listeners fell asleep.
Context clue
As a conjunction, 'während' (while/whereas) can express simultaneity or a contrast. Which meaning is intended can only be understood from the content of the two parts of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Während sie die Zeitung liest, trinkt er Kaffee.
While she reads the newspaper, he drinks coffee.
Compare with
während vs aber
but
'aber' and 'während' can both express a contrast. 'aber' is very general and connects two statements that do not quite fit together. In this sense, 'während' sounds somewhat more comparative: it directly places two people, things, or situations side by side. Also important: 'während' can also mean time, but in this relation it is only about contrast. If you simply want to state a limitation or contrast, 'aber' often sounds more natural. If you are comparing two sides, 'während' fits well.
während
Lisa lernt gern allein, während Max lieber in einer Gruppe arbeitet.
Lisa likes studying alone, whereas Max prefers working in a group.
aber
Der Kurs beginnt erst morgen, aber wir bekommen die Aufgaben schon heute.
The course does not start until tomorrow, but we are getting the assignments today.
In real life
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