01
zeitweilig
temporary
For a limited, temporary period of time; not intended to be permanent.
example
Wegen Bauarbeiten ist die Straße zeitweilig gesperrt.
Due to construction work, the road is temporarily closed.
zeitweilig
temporary / occasional
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'Zeit' (time) and 'Weile' (while). Both parts refer to a span of time, which explains the meanings 'vorübergehend' (temporary) or 'von Zeit zu Zeit' (from time to time) well.
EXAMPLE
Die zeitweilige Schließung des Museums dauert eine Woche.
The temporary closure of the museum lasts one week.
Use as an adverb
'Zeitweilig' can be used as an adjective before a noun or as an adverb to describe a verb or situation. As an adverb, it usually comes directly after the verb or at the beginning of the sentence for emphasis.
EXAMPLE
Die Verbindung war zeitweilig unterbrochen.
The connection was temporarily interrupted.
Context clue
The meaning depends heavily on the context. If it is about a planned, limited duration, such as a closure, 'vorübergehend' (temporary) is meant. If it is about irregular, recurring events, such as pain, it means 'gelegentlich' (occasional).
EXAMPLE
Für die Veranstaltung wurde die Straße zeitweilig für den Verkehr gesperrt.
For the event, the road was temporarily closed to traffic.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'vorübergehend' (temporary), 'zeitweilig' is often used in official or formal contexts. Typical collocations are 'zeitweilig gesperrt' (temporarily closed), 'zeitweilig nicht erreichbar' (temporarily unavailable), or a 'zeitweilige Einstellung' (temporary hiring) of staff.
EXAMPLE
Aufgrund technischer Probleme ist unser Service zeitweilig nicht verfügbar.
Due to technical problems, our service is temporarily unavailable.
Compare with
zeitweilig vs manchmal
sometimes
'manchmal' and 'zeitweilig' can both mean that something happens from time to time. 'manchmal' is the normal, simple form in everyday language. 'zeitweilig' sounds a bit more elevated or factual and is often used in written texts. In many sentences with the meaning 'ab und zu' (now and then), both can be understood, but 'manchmal' usually sounds more natural in conversation.
zeitweilig
Im Sommer gibt es in der Wohnung zeitweilig Probleme mit der Hitze.
In summer, there are occasional problems with the heat in the apartment.
manchmal
Am Wochenende liest die Fahrerin manchmal Zeitung beim Frühstück.
On weekends, the driver sometimes reads the newspaper at breakfast.
In real life
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