das Weilchen
little while
A short, indefinite period of time. It is the diminutive form of 'die Weile' (while).
EXAMPLE
Ich brauche noch ein Weilchen, dann bin ich fertig.
I need a little while longer, then I'll be finished.
das Weilchen
little while
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
'Das Weilchen' (little while) is the diminutive form of 'die Weile' (while). The ending '-chen' makes the word neuter (das) and emphasizes that it is a short period of time.
EXAMPLE
Warte bitte noch ein Weilchen auf mich.
Please wait for me a little while longer.
Usage pattern
In practice, this word is almost always used with the indefinite article as 'ein Weilchen' (a little while). It expresses an indefinite but short duration.
EXAMPLE
Das kann noch ein Weilchen dauern.
That may take a little while longer.
Typical collocations
Common verbs combined with 'ein Weilchen' (a little while) are 'dauern' (to last/take), 'warten' (to wait), 'bleiben' (to stay), or 'sich unterhalten' (to chat/talk).
EXAMPLE
Lass uns noch ein Weilchen hier im Park bleiben.
Let's stay here in the park for a little while longer.
Compare with
Weilchen vs Moment
moment
Both der Moment and das Weilchen refer to a short, indefinite period of time. When waiting, der Moment usually means only a very brief instant, whereas das Weilchen allows for a somewhat longer short period of time.
Weilchen
Warten Sie bitte ein Weilchen, die Unterlagen müssen noch kopiert werden.
Please wait a little while; the documents still need to be copied.
Moment
Warten Sie bitte einen Moment, ich hole sofort die Unterlagen.
Please wait a moment; I’ll get the documents right away.
In real life
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