pastime
Loading your saved state.
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.
conversation / entertainment / maintenance
Unterhaltung and Zeitvertreib both relate to enjoyable leisure time. Unterhaltung refers more to amusement or to something provided, such as a performance or a medium. Zeitvertreib, on the other hand, refers to the activity with which someone fills their free time.
Am freien Abend war ein Kreuzworträtsel ihr liebster Zeitvertreib.
A crossword puzzle was her favorite pastime on her free evening.
Am freien Abend sorgte eine Komödie für gute Unterhaltung.
A comedy provided good entertainment on their free evening.
