German word

langwierig

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈlaŋˌviːʁɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectivetime-consuming

Example

Die langwierige Prüfung dauerte drei Stunden.

The time-consuming exam lasted three hours.

Illustration for langwierig (time-consuming)

More examples

Die langwierigen Verhandlungen zogen sich über Monate hin.

The time-consuming negotiations dragged on for months.

Core concept

A process that keeps stretching forward and takes a great deal of time to finish.

Common phrases

  • langwierige Diskussion

    time-consuming discussion

  • langwieriges Verfahren

    time-consuming procedure

  • langwierige Verhandlungen

    time-consuming negotiations

Similar words

zeitaufwendig: Requiring a great deal of time to complete.
zeitraubend: Using up a great deal of time that could be spent on other things.
aufwändig: Requiring considerable effort, expense, or detailed work.
mühsam: Requiring great effort and causing considerable difficulty.

Definition in German

Bezeichnet Vorgänge oder Fälle, die sich in die Länge ziehen und viel Zeit beanspruchen.

Word origin

Langwierig combines German lang, 'long', with Weile, 'while' or 'period of time', plus the adjective ending -ig.

Usage tips

  • Langwierig often suggests an unwanted or burdensome delay, so it can mean 'tedious' as well as simply 'time-consuming'.

Other meanings

  • tediousadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Langwierigkeittime-consuming naturenoun
  • langwierigerweisein a time-consuming manneradverb

Word lists with this word