das Ausharren
das Ausharren in 30 Sekunden
- Das Ausharren is a neuter noun meaning perseverance or holding out in a difficult situation.
- It differs from simple waiting ('warten') by implying a struggle, endurance, or a specific duration until the end.
- It is commonly used in news, literature, and formal contexts to describe protesters, soldiers, or patient investors.
- Grammatically, it has no plural and is often used with adjectives like 'geduldig' (patient) or 'beharrlich' (persistent).
The German noun das Ausharren is a sophisticated term that captures the essence of staying put, holding out, or persevering through a difficult, uncomfortable, or prolonged situation. Unlike the simple verb 'warten' (to wait), which can be passive and neutral, Ausharren implies a degree of mental or physical effort. It suggests that the person is remaining in a state of expectation or endurance despite a desire to leave or a pressure to give up. In English, we might translate it as 'perseverance', 'endurance', or 'holding one's ground'. It is a nominalization of the verb ausharren, which stems from the archaic 'harren' (to wait/wait upon) combined with the prefix 'aus-', which here signifies completion or duration until the end.
- The Stoic Element
- This word is often used in contexts where someone is enduring bad weather, a long siege, or a tedious bureaucratic process. It carries a connotation of stoicism. If you are 'ausharren' in the rain for concert tickets, you are not just waiting; you are battling the elements to achieve a goal.
Ihr geduldiges das Ausharren vor dem Regierungsgebäude wurde schließlich durch ein Gespräch mit dem Minister belohnt.
In modern German, you will encounter this word in journalism, literature, and formal reports. It is less common in casual spoken slang but is essential for B2 level learners because it describes a specific human experience: the act of not flinching. Whether it is a soldier at a post, a protester in a square, or a researcher waiting for a breakthrough, das Ausharren emphasizes the temporal weight of the action. It is the noun of 'sticking it out'.
- Historical Context
- Historically, the root 'harren' has a biblical and poetic weight. Luther used it in his Bible translation to describe waiting on the Lord. Adding 'aus' makes it more active and definitive, suggesting a duration that is seen through to the very end.
Das Ausharren in der Kälte erforderte enorme Willenskraft.
Furthermore, the word is often paired with adjectives like 'beharrlich' (persistent), 'stundenlang' (hours long), or 'tapfer' (brave). It is a neuter noun, and like many German nominalized verbs, it does not typically have a plural form. You use it to describe the concept or the specific instance of the act itself. Understanding this word helps you grasp the German cultural appreciation for 'Sitzfleisch' (the ability to sit through something) and 'Durchhaltevermögen' (stamina).
- Emotional Resonance
- There is often a sense of loneliness or isolation associated with das Ausharren. It implies that the person is alone in their vigil, or at least that the internal struggle to remain is a solitary one. It is a very 'static' word; there is no movement, only the passage of time against a fixed position.
Kein Ende war in Sicht, doch ihr Ausharren war ungebrochen.
Das lange Ausharren am Krankenbett zehrte an ihren Kräften.
Trotz der Niederlage war das Ausharren der Fans im Stadion ein Zeichen echter Loyalität.
Using das Ausharren correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a neuter noun and its semantic role as a descriptor of a state. Because it is a nominalized verb, it behaves similarly to 'das Essen' or 'das Gehen'. You will almost always see it preceded by an article (usually 'das') or an adjective. It is frequently used in the genitive case or following prepositions like 'durch', 'wegen', or 'trotz'.
- Common Prepositional Phrases
- 'Durch das Ausharren...' (Through the act of holding out...), 'Wegen des langen Ausharrens...' (Because of the long wait/endurance...), 'Trotz des Ausharrens...' (Despite the perseverance...).
Durch ihr beharrliches Ausharren sicherte sie sich den ersten Platz in der Warteschlange.
When you want to describe the duration of the act, use adjectives. 'Das stundenlange Ausharren' is a very common construction. Note that 'Ausharren' is usually singular. Even if multiple people are holding out, you would typically refer to the collective act as 'das Ausharren'. If you need to specify where the holding out is happening, use the preposition 'an' (at), 'in' (in), or 'vor' (in front of).
- Describing the Quality of the Act
- You can modify 'Ausharren' to show how someone is waiting. Is it 'verzweifeltes Ausharren' (desperate holding out) or 'stilles Ausharren' (quiet endurance)? This adds emotional depth to your German writing.
Ein Ausharren ohne Hoffnung ist für die menschliche Psyche schwer zu ertragen.
In academic or journalistic contexts, 'das Ausharren' is often used to describe political or social situations. For example, 'das Ausharren der Truppen an der Grenze' (the troops holding their positions at the border). It implies a strategic choice to remain. It is also used in financial contexts, such as 'das Ausharren der Investoren' (investors holding their positions during a market dip).
Das Ausharren der Demonstranten im Park dauerte die ganze Nacht an.
Sein Ausharren in dieser schwierigen beruflichen Phase wurde letztlich belohnt.
- Comparison with 'Durchhalten'
- While 'Durchhalten' is about the strength to keep going while moving or acting, 'Ausharren' is about the strength to stay where you are. 'Ausharren' is static; 'Durchhalten' can be dynamic.
Man bewunderte sein Ausharren trotz der widrigen Umstände.
You will encounter das Ausharren most frequently in written German that deals with serious or high-stakes topics. It is a favorite of news anchors and political commentators when describing standoffs or long-term commitments. For instance, during a climate protest where activists occupy a forest, a reporter might speak of 'das wochenlange Ausharren in den Baumhäusern' (the weeks-long holding out in the treehouses). It elevates the action from simple 'staying' to a principled 'endurance'.
- In Literature and Philosophy
- German literature often explores the theme of the individual against fate. Here, das Ausharren is used to describe a character's internal resolve. In philosophical texts, especially those influenced by Existentialism or Stoicism, it refers to the human condition of waiting for meaning or enduring existence itself.
In Kafkas Erzählungen ist das Ausharren vor dem Gesetz ein zentrales Motiv.
In sports commentary, while 'Ausdauer' (stamina) is more common for running, das Ausharren might be used for a goalkeeper waiting for the action to reach them, or a team defending a lead in the final minutes under heavy pressure. It describes the mental toughness required to not break under the 'siege' of the opponent's attacks.
- In Modern Media
- Documentaries about nature often use this word to describe predators. A crocodile's 'Ausharren' near the water's edge is a form of active, lethal patience. Similarly, in military history documentaries, it describes the soldiers in the trenches of WWI.
Das Ausharren der Belagerten dauerte Monate, bis Entsatz eintraf.
In everyday life, you might hear it in a slightly more dramatic or ironic way. For example, if a friend has been waiting for you for two hours in a cold café, they might say: 'Mein Ausharren hier war fast schon heroisch!' (My holding out here was almost heroic!). This uses the formal weight of the word for comedic effect.
Nach stundenlangem Ausharren in der Schlange gab er schließlich auf.
- Financial Contexts
- Financial analysts use it to describe 'holding' a stock through volatility. It suggests a disciplined refusal to panic-sell.
Das Ausharren am Aktienmarkt zahlt sich oft langfristig aus.
The most common mistake learners make is using das Ausharren when they simply mean 'waiting' (das Warten). While all Ausharren involves waiting, not all 'Warten' is Ausharren. If you are waiting for a bus for five minutes on a sunny day, that is 'Warten'. If the bus is three hours late, it's snowing, and you refuse to take a taxi because you must save money, that becomes Ausharren.
- Confusion with 'Ausdauer'
- 'Ausdauer' means stamina or physical endurance, usually in the context of an activity like running or working. 'Ausharren' is the act of staying in one place or state. You have 'Ausdauer' (the trait) which allows you to perform 'das Ausharren' (the act).
Falsch: Ich habe viel Ausharren beim Laufen. (Correct: Ich habe viel Ausdauer beim Laufen.)
Another error is the grammatical gender. Since it is a nominalized verb, it is always neuter. Learners often mistakenly use 'die' because they associate it with 'die Ausdauer' or 'die Geduld'. Remember: all German verbs turned into nouns without changing their ending are 'das'.
- Misusing the Prefix 'aus-'
- Learners sometimes think 'Ausharren' means 'to wait outside' because 'aus' can mean 'out'. This is incorrect. The 'aus' here means 'to the finish' or 'thoroughly'. You can 'ausharren' inside a building just as easily as outside.
Das Ausharren im Bunker rettete ihnen das Leben.
Finally, avoid using it for short, pleasant waits. Using 'Ausharren' for a 2-minute wait for a delicious coffee sounds sarcastic. If you aren't trying to be funny, use 'das Warten'. 'Ausharren' should be reserved for situations where there is a challenge to be overcome by staying.
Sein Ausharren war umsonst, da das Geschäft bereits geschlossen hatte.
- Word Order in Relative Clauses
- When using the verb form in a relative clause, remember the verb goes to the end: 'Der Ort, an dem sie ausgeharrt haben...'
Ihr Ausharren in der Kälte war bemerkenswert.
German has a rich vocabulary for persistence and waiting. Understanding the nuances between das Ausharren and its synonyms will significantly improve your C1-level precision. The most closely related words are das Durchhalten, die Beharrlichkeit, and die Ausdauer.
- Ausharren vs. Durchhalten
- 'Durchhalten' is the general term for 'holding on' or 'persevering' through a task. It is more active. You 'durchhalten' a difficult meeting. 'Ausharren' is specifically about staying in a place or a state of waiting. If the meeting is a sit-in protest, you are 'ausharren'.
- Ausharren vs. Beharrlichkeit
- 'Beharrlichkeit' is a character trait (persistence/tenacity). You can show 'Beharrlichkeit' in your studies. 'Ausharren' is the specific act of waiting it out. You might use your 'Beharrlichkeit' to manage the 'Ausharren' in a long queue.
Seine Beharrlichkeit half ihm beim Ausharren während der Krise.
Another alternative is die Geduld (patience). This is a much broader and more common word. 'Geduld' is the internal feeling; 'Ausharren' is the external, often difficult, physical or situational manifestation of that patience. You need 'Geduld' for 'Ausharren'.
- Comparison Table
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- Ausharren: Static waiting through difficulty.
- Durchhalten: General perseverance/survival.
- Ausdauer: Physical or long-term stamina.
- Beharrlichkeit: Mental tenacity/persistence.
- Warten: Neutral act of waiting.
Das Abwarten (waiting for the right moment) ist taktischer als das bloße Ausharren.
In literary contexts, you might find das Verweilen, which means 'lingering' or 'staying for a while'. However, 'Verweilen' is usually pleasant (e.g., lingering in a beautiful garden), whereas 'Ausharren' is usually a struggle. Choosing between these words allows you to set the tone of your sentence perfectly.
Statt eines gemütlichen Verweilens war es ein qualvolles Ausharren.
Ihr Ausharren an den Prinzipien war bewundernswert.
Beispiele nach Niveau
Das Ausharren ist schwer.
The waiting (holding out) is hard.
Neuter noun from verb.
Ich danke dir für dein Ausharren.
I thank you for your perseverance (waiting).
Possessive pronoun 'dein' matches neuter 'Ausharren'.
Das Ausharren im Regen war nicht gut.
Waiting in the rain was not good.
Preposition 'in' + dative 'dem' (im).
Ist das Ausharren zu Ende?
Is the waiting over?
Simple question structure.
Wir lernen heute das Wort Ausharren.
We are learning the word 'Ausharren' today.
Direct object in accusative.
Das Ausharren hier ist lang.
The waiting here is long.
Adjective 'lang' as a predicate.
Kein Ausharren mehr!
No more waiting!
Negation with 'kein'.
Das Ausharren macht mich müde.
The waiting makes me tired.
Verb 'machen' + accusative.
Das lange Ausharren hat sich gelohnt.
The long wait was worth it.
Perfect tense 'hat gelohnt'.
Trotz des Ausharrens kam der Bus nicht.
Despite the waiting, the bus didn't come.
Genitive after 'trotz'.
Sein Ausharren vor der Tür war vergeblich.
His waiting in front of the door was in vain.
Genitive masculine 'sein' for 'das Ausharren'.
Wir bewundern dein Ausharren in dieser Situation.
We admire your perseverance in this situation.
Verb 'bewundern' takes accusative.
Das Ausharren am Telefon dauerte zwanzig Minuten.
The waiting on the phone lasted twenty minutes.
Dative 'am' (an dem).
Ohne Ausharren erreicht man nichts.
Without perseverance, one achieves nothing.
Preposition 'ohne' + accusative.
Das Ausharren der Fans war beeindruckend.
The fans' perseverance was impressive.
Genitive plural 'der Fans'.
Ein kurzes Ausharren ist kein Problem.
A short wait is no problem.
Indefinite article 'ein'.
Das geduldige Ausharren der Zeugen war entscheidend.
The patient perseverance of the witnesses was crucial.
Adjective 'geduldig' in weak declension.
Nach stundenlangem Ausharren öffnete sich die Pforte.
After hours of waiting, the gate opened.
Dative after 'nach' with strong adjective ending.
Das Ausharren in Ungewissheit ist besonders quälend.
Waiting in uncertainty is particularly agonizing.
Abstract noun 'Ungewissheit'.
Sie zeigten großes Ausharren während der Belagerung.
They showed great endurance during the siege.
Strong adjective declension 'großes'.
Das Ausharren bis zum Sonnenaufgang war ihr Ziel.
Holding out until sunrise was their goal.
Preposition 'bis zu'.
Ihr Ausharren wurde schließlich durch den Erfolg gekrönt.
Their perseverance was finally crowned with success.
Passive voice 'wurde gekrönt'.
Wegen des Ausharrens verpasste er das Abendessen.
Because of the waiting, he missed dinner.
Genitive after 'wegen'.
Das Ausharren ist eine Tugend, die heute selten ist.
Perseverance is a virtue that is rare today.
Relative clause.
Das beharrliche Ausharren der Demonstranten zwang die Regierung zum Handeln.
The persistent perseverance of the protesters forced the government to act.
Verb 'zwingen' + 'zu' + dative noun.
Manchmal ist das Ausharren die einzige Option in einer Krise.
Sometimes persevering is the only option in a crisis.
Adverb 'manchmal' at start triggers inversion.
Das stoische Ausharren des Kapitäns beruhigte die Passagiere.
The captain's stoic endurance calmed the passengers.
Genitive 'des Kapitäns'.
Sein Ausharren in der Kälte führte zu Erfrierungen.
His holding out in the cold led to frostbite.
Verb 'führen zu' + dative.
Das Ausharren auf eine bessere Gelegenheit erforderte Disziplin.
Waiting for a better opportunity required discipline.
Preposition 'auf' + accusative.
Trotz des zermürbenden Ausharrens blieb er optimistisch.
Despite the grueling perseverance, he remained optimistic.
Present participle as adjective 'zermürbend'.
Das Ausharren an den Grenzen wurde international kritisiert.
The holding out/standoff at the borders was criticized internationally.
Passive voice 'wurde kritisiert'.
Das Ausharren im Amt trotz Kritik ist ein Zeichen von Macht.
Staying in office despite criticism is a sign of power.
Preposition 'trotz' + genitive.
Das jahrelange Ausharren in der Opposition hat die Partei gestärkt.
The years of persevering in the opposition has strengthened the party.
Present perfect 'hat gestärkt'.
Es ist ein passives Ausharren, das keine Lösung herbeiführt.
It is a passive holding out that brings about no solution.
Relative clause with 'das'.
Das Ausharren unter widrigsten Bedingungen zeugt von Charakterstärke.
Persevering under the most adverse conditions testifies to strength of character.
Superlative adjective 'widrigsten'.
In der Stille des Ausharrens liegt oft eine verborgene Kraft.
In the silence of perseverance often lies a hidden strength.
Genitive 'des Ausharrens'.
Das Ausharren der Anleger beruht auf der Hoffnung auf steigende Kurse.
The investors' holding out is based on the hope for rising prices.
Verb 'beruhen auf' + dative.
Sein Ausharren war kein Zeichen von Schwäche, sondern von Strategie.
His perseverance was not a sign of weakness, but of strategy.
Conjunction 'sondern' after negation.
Das Ausharren in der Einsamkeit prägte sein gesamtes Spätwerk.
Persevering in solitude shaped his entire late work.
Verb 'prägen' (to shape/influence).
Das Ausharren am Verhandlungstisch führte schließlich zum Kompromiss.
Staying at the negotiating table finally led to a compromise.
Nominalized verb 'Verhandlungstisch' (negotiating table).
Das metaphysische Ausharren vor dem Unausweichlichen ist ein Kernmotiv der Tragödie.
The metaphysical perseverance before the inevitable is a core motif of tragedy.
Complex noun phrase.
Ihr Ausharren glich einer rituellen Handlung von tiefer Symbolik.
Their perseverance resembled a ritual act of deep symbolism.
Verb 'gleichen' + dative.
Das Ausharren in der Zeitlosigkeit des Wartesaals zermürbte seinen Geist.
Persevering in the timelessness of the waiting room wore down his spirit.
Genitive 'des Wartesaals'.
Man könnte sein Ausharren als heroischen Nihilismus bezeichnen.
One could describe his perseverance as heroic nihilism.
Subjunctive 'könnte'.
Das Ausharren der Natur gegen den menschlichen Einfluss ist bewundernswert.
Nature's perseverance against human influence is admirable.
Preposition 'gegen' + accusative.
Es bedarf eines langen Ausharrens, um die wahre Natur der Dinge zu erkennen.
It requires long perseverance to recognize the true nature of things.
Impersonal 'es bedarf' + genitive.
Das Ausharren im Schweigen war beredter als tausend Worte.
Persevering in silence was more eloquent than a thousand words.
Comparative 'beredter als'.
In seinem Ausharren manifestierte sich ein unerschütterlicher Wille.
In his perseverance, an unshakable will manifested itself.
Reflexive verb 'manifestieren'.
Synonyme
Gegenteile
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— The perseverance paid off.
Nach drei Tagen im Zelt: Das Ausharren hat sich gelohnt, wir sahen den Komete
Summary
Key Takeaway: 'Das Ausharren' is the German word for 'sticking it out'. It describes the act of staying in a place or situation through hardship. Example: 'Das Ausharren in der Warteschlange dauerte Stunden' (The holding out in the queue lasted hours).
- Das Ausharren is a neuter noun meaning perseverance or holding out in a difficult situation.
- It differs from simple waiting ('warten') by implying a struggle, endurance, or a specific duration until the end.
- It is commonly used in news, literature, and formal contexts to describe protesters, soldiers, or patient investors.
- Grammatically, it has no plural and is often used with adjectives like 'geduldig' (patient) or 'beharrlich' (persistent).
Beispiel
Sein Ausharren in schwierigen Zeiten war bewundernswert.
Verwandte Inhalte
Mehr emotions Wörter
abgeneigt
B1Having a strong dislike of or opposition to something; averse.
ablehnend
B1disapproving, rejecting
abneigen
B1Eine Abneigung gegen jemanden oder etwas empfinden.
Abneigung
B1Abneigung bedeutet eine starke Abneigung oder ein Gefühl des Widerwillens gegen jemanden oder etwas. Es ist eine tiefe Abneigung. Es gibt eine gewisse Abneigung gegen plötzliche Änderungen im Unternehmen.
Abscheu
B1A feeling of intense dislike or abhorrence.
abscheuen
B1To regard with disgust and hatred; to abhor.
Ach!
A1Ach! Das ist ja toll. / Ach so, jetzt verstehe ich.
ach
A2Ausdruck des Erstaunens, Bedauerns, der Überraschung oder der Einsicht.
akzeptierend
B1accepting
Albtraum
A2Ein Albtraum ist ein angstbesetzter Traum oder eine sehr unangenehme reale Situation. Man kann sagen: 'Die Prüfung war ein totaler Albtraum'.