dauern
to last, to take (time)
Intermediate Verb
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Pronunciation
/ˈdaʊ̯.ɐn/
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Cultural Note
'Wie lange dauert das?' (How long does that take?) is one of the most useful questions in German daily life. 'Dauern' is impersonal — the subject is usually a thing or event, not a person. 'Das dauert mir zu lange' expresses impatience, reflecting the German emphasis on efficiency.
📝 Example Sentences
Wie lange dauert die Feier?
How long does the celebration last?
Das dauert noch eine Stunde.
That will take another hour.
Unsere Liebe soll ewig dauern.
Our love should last forever.