Bedeutung
Eventually, over a long period.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The French often use 'à la longue' with a touch of weary realism. It reflects a culture that values long-term stability over rapid change. In Quebec, the phrase is frequently used in the context of weather and endurance, reflecting the harsh winters. In Francophone West Africa, 'à la longue' can be used to emphasize the wisdom of patience, often in proverbs or advice. Usage is identical to France, but often heard in political discussions regarding the complex federal structure of the country.
Pair with 'Finir par'
If you're unsure how to use it, try the formula: 'À la longue, [sujet] finit par [verbe]'. It works 90% of the time.
Don't use for 'Finally'
If you just finished a task and want to say 'Finally!', use 'Enfin !' or 'Ouf !'. 'À la longue' sounds like a scientific observation.
Bedeutung
Eventually, over a long period.
Pair with 'Finir par'
If you're unsure how to use it, try the formula: 'À la longue, [sujet] finit par [verbe]'. It works 90% of the time.
Don't use for 'Finally'
If you just finished a task and want to say 'Finally!', use 'Enfin !' or 'Ouf !'. 'À la longue' sounds like a scientific observation.
Essay Writing
Use 'à la longue' in your DELF/DALF exams to show you understand temporal causality. It's a high-level transition phrase.
The French 'Patience'
Using this phrase shows you understand the French mindset of 'taking one's time'.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the sentence with the correct phrase.
Je n'aime pas trop ce travail, mais je pense que je vais m'y habituer ________.
The sentence implies a gradual process of getting used to something over time.
Which sentence uses 'à la longue' correctly?
Select the correct usage:
This describes a cumulative effect (back pain) over a long period of sitting.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: Tu penses que ce régime fonctionne ? B: Oui, mais il ne faut pas attendre de miracle. ________, tu verras les résultats.
Diets take time to show results, making 'à la longue' the perfect fit.
Match the situation to the correct use of the phrase.
Situation: You are talking about a small leak in your roof that you haven't fixed yet.
A small leak causes damage through accumulation over time.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
À la longue vs. Enfin
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenJe n'aime pas trop ce travail, mais je pense que je vais m'y habituer ________.
The sentence implies a gradual process of getting used to something over time.
Select the correct usage:
This describes a cumulative effect (back pain) over a long period of sitting.
A: Tu penses que ce régime fonctionne ? B: Oui, mais il ne faut pas attendre de miracle. ________, tu verras les résultats.
Diets take time to show results, making 'à la longue' the perfect fit.
Situation: You are talking about a small leak in your roof that you haven't fixed yet.
A small leak causes damage through accumulation over time.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
14 FragenIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
No, that is a literal translation from English 'in the long run' and is incorrect in French.
'À la longue' emphasizes the time spent. 'Au bout du compte' emphasizes the final result or summary.
Yes, it is a fixed expression. You never say 'à la long'.
Yes! 'À la longue, tu seras récompensé' (In the long run, you will be rewarded).
Yes, but specifically 'eventually after a long process'.
Yes, it's very common to start a sentence with 'À la longue, ...' to set the scene.
Yes, it is common throughout the Francophonie.
It's a hard 'g' like in 'goat', but very soft at the end of the word.
No. Use it for things that take at least weeks or months.
'Sur le long terme' is the professional equivalent.
Yes, because 'the long' doesn't literally mean 'the long run' without the context of the phrase.
No, just 'à la longue'. Adding 'durée' is redundant.
Often, yes. It frequently describes things that become tedious over time.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Au fil du temps
similarAs time goes by
Sur le long terme
similarIn the long term
Petit à petit
builds onLittle by little
À la fin
contrastAt the end
De longue haleine
specialized formLong-term/requiring endurance
