During (während + Genitive)
während + Genitive to link an action to the duration of another event or time frame.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'während' to describe when something happens, and always follow it with the Genitive case.
- Always use the Genitive case after 'während': während {des|m} Tages.
- It expresses a duration of time: während {der|f} Ferien.
- If the noun has no article, add an -s or -es to the noun: während Arbeit.
Overview
Ever found yourself checking your phone das Handy while you were supposed to be paying attention to your professor? Or maybe you've tried to order a pizza via an app while stuck in a boring Zoom meeting? If so, you've already mastered the logic of während.
In German, this word is your best friend when you want to describe two things happening at the same time. But here's the catch: when we use während as a preposition (meaning 'during'), it's a bit of a grammar snob. It demands the Genitive case.
While many people on the street might use the Dative (because, let's be honest, the Genitive is the fancy tuxedo of German cases), using the Genitive will make you sound like a pro, especially in your B1 exams or a professional setting. Let’s look at why this little word is so powerful and how you can avoid the 'Genitive-is-dying' trap that catches so many learners.
während is what we call a temporal preposition. That’s just a fancy way of saying it deals with time. It tells us that one action is happening within the time frame of another event.
Think of it like a time-box. Everything inside that box is happening 'during' the main event. In English, we just say 'during the movie' or 'during the holidays.' In German, we use während to bridge the gap between an event and the time it takes.
It’s perfect for Instagram captions like 'Me during the sunset' or explaining why you missed a call from your boss. Just remember: während doesn't care about the verb; it only cares about the noun that follows it. It's like that one friend who only goes to parties if they know the DJ is playing techno.
For während, that DJ is the Genitive case. If you use it correctly, you'll instantly level up your spoken and written German. Plus, it’s a great way to show off at a dinner party—or at least sound like you’ve been studying hard while your friends were just watching Netflix.
How This Grammar Works
während lies in its relationship with the Genitive case. When you place während before a noun, that noun has to change its 'outfit' to match the Genitive rules. This means the articles change: der and das both become des, while die and the plural die become der.-s or -es at the end. It sounds complicated, but it’s actually very systematic. For example, if you want to say 'during the day,' you take der Tag, change the article to des, and add an -s to the noun: während des Tages.während dem Tag (Dative), but if you’re writing an email or taking a test, stick to the Genitive. It's the difference between wearing sweatpants and a tailored suit; both work, but one definitely makes a better impression at a job interview.Formation Pattern
während is like following a simple three-step recipe. You don’t need to be a Michelin-star chef to get it right.
während at the beginning of your time-phrase.
des.
des.
der.
der.
-s or -es to the end of the noun. (Example: Besuch -> Besuches).
während-phrase at the start of the sentence (which flips the verb and subject) or later on.
während + des + Konzerts (during the concert)
während + der + Pause (during the break)
-es (like des Tages). If it has more than one syllable, just a simple -s is usually fine (like des Urlaubs). It’s like adding salt to a dish—just enough to make it right, but don't overdo it!
When To Use It
während popping up in almost every part of modern life. It’s the ultimate tool for multitasking talk. Use it when you’re describing your daily routine, like what you do während des Frühstücks (during breakfast).während der Besprechung (during the meeting).während der Vorlesung (during the lecture)—hopefully taking notes and not just browsing Amazon! You’ll also see it in news reports, history books, and formal letters. If you’re writing a travel blog about your trip to Berlin, you might write about the cool street art you saw während des Spaziergangs (during the walk).während des gesamten Films!' (during the entire movie).bei or an for that)—während is strictly for durations.Common Mistakes
während dem Urlaub feels natural because it’s what you hear on TikTok or in casual vlogs. But in the world of 'Standard German,' that’s technically a no-no. It’s like using 'your' instead of 'you're' in English—people will understand you, but your German teacher will shed a tiny, grammatical tear. Another classic error is forgetting the -s on masculine and neuter nouns. You can't just say während des Tag; it must be während des Tages. It’s like forgetting to put the lid on a blender—things are going to get messy. Also, watch out for the plural! Learners often forget that the plural Genitive article is der, not des. So, 'during the holidays' is während der Ferien, not während des Ferien. Finally, don't confuse the preposition während with the conjunction während. The preposition is followed by a noun (e.g., während der Arbeit), while the conjunction is followed by a whole sentence with a verb at the end (e.g., während ich arbeite). If you mix those up, your sentence will sound like it’s been through a digital shredder.Contrast With Similar Patterns
während has some competition. The most common rival is bei (+ Dative). While both can mean 'during' or 'while,' they have different vibes.bei is often used for shorter, more incidental actions, or when the 'event' is a verb-turned-noun (like beim Essen - while eating). während feels a bit more formal and emphasizes the entire duration of an event. Then there’s innerhalb (+ Genitive), which means 'within.' You’d use innerhalb for a deadline (like 'within a week'), whereas während is for something happening alongside another process.während! As mentioned, the conjunction connects two full ideas: 'I listen to music while I study.' The preposition während just connects an event to a noun: 'I listen to music during my study-time.' It’s the difference between a bridge (conjunction) and a simple label (preposition). Choosing the right one is like choosing the right filter for your photo—one makes it look casual and 'raw,' the other makes it look polished and professional.Quick FAQ
Can I really use Dative in spoken German?
Yes, you'll hear it all the time! But if you want to pass an exam or write a professional email, Genitive is a must. Think of Genitive as your 'job interview' voice.
What happens if there is no article?
If you're using a plural noun without an article (like 'during storms'), you actually use the Dative because the Genitive wouldn't be visible. For example: während Stürmen.
Does während work for the future?
Absolutely! You can say während des nächsten Urlaubs (during the next holiday). It’s not just for the past.
Is it während des Films or während dem Film?
während des Films is grammatically correct. während dem Film is what your roommate says when they’re tired. Be the grammar hero your roommate needs!
Can I use während with names?
Yes, but you’d add the Genitive -s to the name: während Berlins goldener Jahre (during Berlin’s golden years). Sounds very sophisticated, right?
Genitive Case with 'während'
| Gender | Article (Nom) | Article (Gen) | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Masculine
|
der
|
des
|
während des Tages
|
|
Feminine
|
die
|
der
|
während der Woche
|
|
Neuter
|
das
|
des
|
während des Jahres
|
|
Plural
|
die
|
der
|
während der Ferien
|
Meanings
A temporal preposition used to indicate that an action occurs within the duration of a specific period or event.
Temporal duration
Occurring throughout or within a time span.
“Während {der|f} Woche arbeite ich.”
“Während {des|n} Sommers reisen wir.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
während + Gen
|
Während des Tages arbeite ich.
|
|
Negative
|
während + Gen + nicht
|
Während des Tages arbeite ich nicht.
|
|
Question
|
Wann + während + Gen?
|
Wann während des Tages arbeitest du?
|
|
No Article
|
während + Gen-Noun
|
Während Urlaubs bin ich weg.
|
Formality Spectrum
Während der Sitzung. (Work environment)
Während des Meetings. (Work environment)
Während des Treffens. (Work environment)
Beim Meeting. (Work environment)
The während Genitive Map
Masculine
- des Tages of the day
Feminine
- der Woche of the week
Examples by Level
Während {der|f} Pause.
During the break.
Während {des|m} Tages.
During the day.
Während {der|f} Arbeit.
During work.
Während {der|f} Nacht.
During the night.
Während {des|m} Urlaubs bin ich in Berlin.
During the vacation I am in Berlin.
Während {der|f} Woche habe ich keine Zeit.
During the week I have no time.
Während {des|n} Spiels regnet es.
During the game it is raining.
Während {der|pl} Ferien reisen wir.
During the holidays we travel.
Während {des|m} gesamten Gesprächs war er ruhig.
During the entire conversation he was quiet.
Während {der|f} Vorlesung darf man nicht sprechen.
During the lecture one must not speak.
Während {des|n} Konzerts habe ich Fotos gemacht.
During the concert I took photos.
Während {der|pl} Sitzungen ist das Handy aus.
During the meetings the phone is off.
Während {des|m} Zweiten Weltkriegs gab es viele Veränderungen.
During the Second World War there were many changes.
Während {der|f} gesamten Debatte blieb er sachlich.
During the entire debate he remained objective.
Während {des|n} Prozesses wurden neue Beweise gefunden.
During the trial new evidence was found.
Während {der|pl} Verhandlungen gab es keine Einigung.
During the negotiations there was no agreement.
Während {des|m} wirtschaftlichen Abschwungs stiegen die Preise.
During the economic downturn prices rose.
Während {der|f} gesamten Epoche der Aufklärung änderte sich das Denken.
During the entire Enlightenment era thinking changed.
Während {des|n} laufenden Projekts traten Probleme auf.
During the ongoing project problems arose.
Während {der|pl} letzten Jahrzehnte hat sich viel gewandelt.
During the last decades much has changed.
Während {des|m} gesamten Diskurses manifestierte sich eine neue Ideologie.
During the entire discourse a new ideology manifested.
Während {der|f} architektonischen Gestaltung wurde auf Nachhaltigkeit geachtet.
During the architectural design, sustainability was prioritized.
Während {des|n} gesamten Zeitraums der Untersuchung gab es keine Anomalien.
During the entire period of the investigation there were no anomalies.
Während {der|pl} kulturellen Umbrüche entstanden neue Kunstformen.
During the cultural upheavals new art forms emerged.
Easily Confused
Both use the same word but different grammar structures.
Common Mistakes
während dem Tag
während des Tages
während der Tag
während des Tages
während des Woche
während der Woche
während der Arbeitens
während der Arbeit
Sentence Patterns
Während ___ arbeite ich.
Real World Usage
Während der Abwesenheit bin ich per E-Mail erreichbar.
Genitive Check
Smart Tips
Use 'während' to sound more professional.
Pronunciation
während
The 'ä' is a long open vowel, like in 'fair'.
Statement
Während des Tages ↘ arbeite ich.
Neutral tone.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
W-Gen: Während gives you the Genitive, like a gift (Genitive) of time.
Visual Association
Imagine a clock (time) wearing a fancy Genitive hat. Every time you say 'während', the clock puts on the hat.
Rhyme
Wäh-rend, Wäh-rend, Genitiv ist der Trend!
Story
Hans was working during the day. He said: 'Während {des|m} Tages arbeite ich.' Then he went on vacation. 'Während {des|n} Urlaubs schlafe ich.' He was very happy.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences about your daily routine using 'während' + Genitive.
Cultural Notes
Using correct Genitive prepositions is seen as a sign of education and professionalism.
Derived from Middle High German 'wērent', meaning 'lasting'.
Conversation Starters
Was machst du während der Pause?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Während ___ (der Tag) arbeite ich.
Score: /1
Practice Exercises
1 exercisesWährend ___ (der Tag) arbeite ich.
Score: /1
Practice Bank
10 exercisesWährend ___ (die Nacht) hat es geregnet.
während / wir / des / haben / Konzerts / getanzt
How do you say 'During the week'?
Was passiert während ___ (die Vorlesungen)?
Während des Besuch gab es Tee.
Match the following:
Während ___ (das Training) darfst du nicht rauchen.
Formal choice for 'During the day':
Während des Wintersport wir fahren Ski.
German translation for 'During the meal':
Score: /10
FAQ (1)
No, that is a common mistake. Always use Genitive.
Scaffolded Practice
1
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
durante
No case system in Spanish.
pendant
No case system in French.
während
Requires case agreement.
～の間 (no aida)
Postpositional vs Prepositional.
أثناء (athna'a)
Different root system.
在...期间 (zài... qījiān)
No inflection.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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