German word

währen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈvɛːʁən/

Meaning

  • verblast

Example

Das Problem währt schon lange.

The problem has been going on for a long time.

Illustration for währen (last)

More examples

Der Streit währt seit Monaten.

The dispute has lasted for months.

Core concept

A problem remains on the table as the clock keeps moving, with no endpoint in sight.

Common phrases

  • währt schon lange

    last a long time

  • währt weiter

    continue

Similar words

dauern: To continue for a specific period of time.
andauern: To continue over a long period without ending.
weitergehen: To continue without interruption, as a matter or discussion.
fortfahren: To continue an action or speech without stopping.

Definition in German

Für eine bestimmte oder unbestimmte Zeit andauern; über eine Dauer fortbestehen.

Word origin

Währen is an inherited Germanic verb documented in Old and Middle High German forms meaning to last; während developed historically from its present participle.

Usage tips

  • Währen is chiefly literary or formal, while dauern and andauern are more usual in ordinary modern German.

Other meanings

  • endureverb
  • continueverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word