01
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
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
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
'der Moment' and 'das Weilchen' can both mean a short time. However, 'der Moment' is usually very short, almost like an instant. It is often used when something happens immediately or very soon. 'das Weilchen' means a short but somewhat longer period of time, for example a few minutes. Learners may confuse the words because neither says exactly how long the time is. In practice: for a very short instant, 'Moment' fits better; for a short wait, 'Weilchen' sounds more natural.
Weilchen
Im Restaurant mussten wir ein Weilchen auf den freien Tisch warten.
At the restaurant, we had to wait a little while for the free table.
Moment
Warte bitte einen Moment, ich hole schnell meine Jacke.
Please wait a moment; I'll quickly get my jacket.
In real life
Loading video examples...