01
zeitlebens
throughout life
During one's whole life; from birth until death.
example
Sie hat zeitlebens in diesem kleinen Dorf gewohnt.
She lived in this small village throughout her life.
zeitlebens
throughout one's life
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
'Zeitlebens' (throughout one's life) is made up of the words 'Zeit' (time) and 'Leben' (life). It is a shortened form of the old genitive expression '(seiner) Zeit des Lebens', meaning 'during the time of one's life'.
EXAMPLE
Er blieb seiner Heimat zeitlebens treu.
He remained loyal to his homeland throughout his life.
Sentence position
As an adverb, 'zeitlebens' (throughout one's life) can stand in position 1; then the verb follows in position 2. It can also stand after the conjugated verb in the middle of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Zeitlebens hat er hart für seine Familie gearbeitet.
Throughout his life, he worked hard for his family.
Register and style
This adverb belongs more to written language or an elevated style. It is used less often in normal everyday conversation.
EXAMPLE
Die Künstlerin hat zeitlebens für ihre Anerkennung gekämpft.
The artist fought for recognition throughout her life.
Compare with
zeitlebens vs zeitweise
at times / temporarily
'zeitweise' and 'zeitlebens' differ mainly in the length of time. 'zeitweise' means that something applies only for a limited time or in individual periods. 'zeitlebens' means that something applies throughout one's whole life. The contrast is therefore: only sometimes or temporarily with 'zeitweise', for one's whole life with 'zeitlebens'.
zeitlebens
Der Künstler blieb zeitlebens in seiner Heimatstadt.
The artist remained in his hometown throughout his life.
zeitweise
Aylin wohnt zeitweise bei ihren Eltern, bis sie eine neue Wohnung findet.
Aylin is living with her parents temporarily until she finds a new apartment.
In real life
Loading video examples...