pastime
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pastime
An enjoyable activity with which you spend your free time in order to entertain yourself or pass the time. It is a synonym for hobby or passion.
Gartenarbeit ist für mich ein entspannender Zeitvertreib nach der Arbeit.
Gardening is a relaxing pastime for me after work.
The word is made up of 'die Zeit' (time) and the verb 'vertreiben' (to drive away / to pass). A 'Zeitvertreib' (pastime) is therefore literally an activity with which you 'drive away' time or let it pass pleasantly.
Für viele ist das Lösen von Kreuzworträtseln ein schöner Zeitvertreib.
For many people, solving crossword puzzles is a nice pastime.
To describe the purpose of an activity, 'Zeitvertreib' (pastime) is often used with the prepositions 'als' (as) or 'zum' (for/as a). Both expressions are very common.
Er sammelt nur zum Zeitvertreib alte Münzen.
He collects old coins only as a pastime.
'Zeitvertreib' (pastime) is often combined with adjectives that describe the type of activity. Typical examples are 'ein angenehmer Zeitvertreib' (a pleasant pastime), 'ein entspannender Zeitvertreib' (a relaxing pastime), or 'ein harmloser Zeitvertreib' (a harmless pastime).
Ein Spaziergang im Wald ist ein entspannender Zeitvertreib.
A walk in the forest is a relaxing pastime.
fun / joke
'der Spaß' and 'der Zeitvertreib' both have to do with enjoyable things in your free time. 'Spaß' mainly emphasizes joy or pleasure. It can be a feeling or a fun activity. 'Zeitvertreib' more often means an activity that fills your free time or makes waiting more pleasant. A pastime can be fun, but the word sounds calmer and less emotional. If you want to say that something is funny or enjoyable, 'Spaß' fits better. If you are talking about an activity to fight boredom, 'Zeitvertreib' is more precise.
Lesen ist für Maria ein ruhiger Zeitvertreib auf langen Zugfahrten.
Reading is a quiet pastime for Maria on long train journeys.
Beim Fußballspielen mit meinen Freunden habe ich immer viel Spaß.
I always have a lot of fun playing soccer with my friends.