German word

jahrelang

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈjaːɐ̯əˌlaŋ/

Meaning

  • adverbfor years

Example

Ich habe jahrelang in Berlin gewohnt.

I lived in Berlin for years.

Illustration for jahrelang (for years)

More examples

Sie hat jahrelang in einer Bibliothek gearbeitet.

She worked in a library for years.

Core concept

A calendar with its pages turning through one year after another while one activity continues.

Common phrases

  • jahrelang arbeiten

    work for years

  • jahrelang leben

    live for years

  • jahrelang studieren

    study for years

Similar words

seit Jahren: Existing or continuing for years up to now.
seit langem: Existing or continuing for a long time.
mehrere Jahre lang: Lasting for several years.

Definition in German

Während mehrerer aufeinanderfolgender Jahre andauernd.

Word origin

Jahrelang combines Jahr, 'year', with lang, 'long', using the linking vowel -e- to form a compound for an extended period.

Usage tips

  • Jahrelang is written as one word and normally modifies a verb, while the form before a noun is usually jahrelange, as in jahrelange Erfahrung.

Other meanings

  • for many yearsadverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word