längst em 30 segundos
- Längst: Adverb meaning 'long ago' or 'for a very long time'.
- Emphasizes extended past duration.
- Used for established facts, overdue situations, or distant past events.
- More emphatic than 'lang' or 'schon'.
- Core Meaning
- The German adverb 'längst' signifies that something happened or has been the case for a very long time, indicating a considerable duration that extends far into the past. It emphasizes that the event or state is not recent but has been ongoing or occurred long ago. It's often used to express that a situation is no longer new or surprising because it has existed for such an extended period.
- Usage Contexts
- 'Längst' is frequently employed when discussing historical events, long-standing traditions, personal experiences that are distant, or situations that have been true for an exceptionally long time. It can also be used ironically or to highlight the passage of time. For example, if someone finally achieves something they've been working towards for decades, you might say they have 'längst' achieved it, implying it took them a very long time. It's also common in literature and more formal speech to add a sense of historical depth or a feeling of something being well-established. In everyday conversation, it adds emphasis to the duration of something, suggesting it's far from a recent occurrence. Think of it as the German equivalent of 'long ago,' 'for ages,' or 'by now' when emphasizing a long wait or a long existence.
- Distinction from 'lang'
- While 'lang' means 'long' in terms of duration or length, 'längst' specifically intensifies this, meaning 'very long ago' or 'for a very long time.' 'Lang' can describe a short period ('ein langes Wochenende' - a long weekend) or a great distance ('ein langer Weg' - a long way). 'Längst,' however, is exclusively about extended time in the past. You wouldn't say 'ein längst Weg' because it doesn't make sense. 'Längst' is an adverb, often modifying verbs or adjectives, while 'lang' can function as both an adverb and an adjective. This adverbial function of 'längst' is key to its meaning of 'long ago' or 'for a very long time.' It's about the duration that has already passed, not about a length that is currently present. Consider the difference between 'Ich wohne hier lang' (I've lived here for a long time) and 'Ich wohne hier längst' (This is a bit unusual, but it implies I've lived here for so long that it's no longer a new situation, almost like I've 'long since' been living here). However, the most common and clearest use of 'längst' is in the sense of 'long ago' when referring to past events or states.
Man hat dieses Problem längst gelöst. (This problem was solved long ago.)
Sie ist längst erwachsen. (She has long since been an adult.)
- Grammatical Role
- 'Längst' is an adverb. Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, providing more information about manner, time, place, or degree. In the case of 'längst,' it specifically modifies the temporal aspect, indicating a point in time far in the past or a duration that has extended significantly. It typically appears before the verb or adjective it modifies, or sometimes at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis. Its position can sometimes vary, but its function remains to emphasize the long duration or pastness of an action or state.
- Nuance of 'Long Ago'
- The English phrase 'long ago' can sometimes be ambiguous. 'Längst' is usually more specific in its implication of extended time. It suggests that the event is not just in the past, but *very* far in the past, or that a state has existed for an *exceptionally* long time. This makes it a powerful word for adding emphasis and a sense of history or established fact. For instance, saying 'Das ist längst passiert' (That happened long ago) carries more weight than simply 'Das ist passiert' (That happened) or 'Das ist vor langer Zeit passiert' (That happened a long time ago). 'Längst' implies a greater degree of pastness and often a sense of 'it's about time' or 'it's no longer new'.
- Examples of Usage
- Consider these examples:
- 'Er hat sein Studium längst abgeschlossen.' (He completed his studies long ago.) - This implies the studies are a distant memory.
- 'Diese Technik ist längst veraltet.' (This technology has long since been outdated.) - Emphasizes how old the technology is.
- 'Ich habe dich längst erwartet.' (I have long since been expecting you.) - Suggests the expectation has been going on for a very long time.
- 'Das ist längst überfällig.' (That is long overdue.) - Highlights that the action should have happened much earlier.
Das alte Gebäude stand dort längst.
- Placement with Verbs
- As an adverb, 'längst' typically modifies the verb, indicating that the action occurred or was completed a long time ago. It usually precedes the verb in a simple sentence structure or follows the conjugated verb in subordinate clauses. When used with a separable prefix verb, 'längst' often appears between the prefix and the verb stem in past tenses or perfect tenses, or before the infinitive in modal verb constructions. For example, in the perfect tense, it modifies the past participle: 'Das Problem ist längst behoben.' (The problem has long since been fixed.) In a sentence with a modal verb, it typically comes before the infinitive: 'Er sollte längst hier sein.' (He should have been here long ago.) This placement emphasizes the duration or pastness of the action or state described by the verb.
- Modifying Adjectives
- 'Längst' can also modify adjectives, intensifying the sense of how long a particular quality has been present. In such cases, it usually comes directly before the adjective. This usage highlights that a state or characteristic has existed for a very extended period. For instance, 'Diese Regelung ist längst überholt.' (This regulation has long since become obsolete.) Here, 'längst' intensifies 'überholt' (obsolete), emphasizing that it has been obsolete for a significant amount of time. Another example: 'Er ist längst kein Kind mehr.' (He is no longer a child, not by a long shot.) This usage conveys that the state of not being a child has been true for a considerable duration.
- Temporal Emphasis
- The primary function of 'längst' is to add temporal emphasis, specifically pointing to a distant past. It's not just 'long ago,' but often implies 'long ago and it's about time' or 'long ago and it's no longer new.' This makes it useful for conveying a sense of overdue action, established facts, or past events that are distant and perhaps even forgotten by some. For example, 'Diese Technologie ist längst überholt.' (This technology has long since been outdated.) The 'längst' here stresses that the technology isn't just old; it's been outdated for a very substantial period. It’s a word that adds weight and a temporal perspective to statements.
Wir haben das längst erwartet. (We have long since expected that.)
- Sentence Structure Variations
- While 'längst' often appears before the verb or adjective it modifies, its placement can sometimes be at the beginning of a sentence for stylistic emphasis, especially in more formal or literary contexts. In such cases, the sentence structure might invert. For example: 'Längst ist diese Mode vorbei.' (This fashion is long since over.) Here, 'längst' is fronted for emphasis, and the verb 'ist' comes immediately after it, followed by the subject 'diese Mode.' This structure is less common in everyday spoken German but is perfectly valid and adds a certain flair. In subordinate clauses, 'längst' typically follows the conjugated verb, similar to other adverbs: 'Ich weiß, dass er längst aufgegeben hat.' (I know that he gave up long ago.)
- Expressing Overdue Situations
- 'Längst' is particularly useful when expressing that something is overdue or should have happened much earlier. Phrases like 'längst überfällig' (long overdue) are common. For example, 'Die Reparatur ist längst fällig.' (The repair is long overdue.) This conveys a strong sense of delay and that the action is significantly past its due date. It implies a lack of timely action and emphasizes the extended period of waiting.
Das Buch war längst ausverkauft. (The book had long since sold out.)
- Conversational German
- In everyday conversations, 'längst' is used to express that something has been true or happened for a very long time. You might hear it when people are reminiscing about past events or discussing how long a certain situation has persisted. For example, someone might say, 'Das Wetter ist längst nicht mehr so schön.' (The weather hasn't been this nice for a very long time.) or 'Ich bin längst daran gewöhnt.' (I've long since gotten used to it.) It adds a touch of emphasis to the duration, implying that the situation is no longer new or surprising. It can also be used to gently chide someone for not knowing something that has been common knowledge for ages, like 'Das weiß doch jeder längst!' (Everyone knows that long ago!).
- Media and News
- In news reports, articles, and documentaries, 'längst' is frequently used to provide historical context or to emphasize the long-standing nature of issues. For instance, a report on environmental problems might state, 'Diese Probleme sind längst bekannt.' (These problems have been known for a very long time.) or a historical segment might discuss how a certain tradition has 'längst' been established. It helps to convey that a situation is not new or sudden but has a deep history. It's a common adverbial choice when discussing topics that have evolved over extended periods, adding a sense of perspective and depth to the narrative. It signals to the audience that the topic has a significant past.
- Literature and Formal Writing
- In literature, novels, and more formal essays, 'längst' is used to enrich the narrative by emphasizing the passage of time or the established nature of things. Authors might use it to create a sense of distance from past events or to highlight how long a character has held a certain belief or trait. For example, a narrator might describe a character's long-held dream as something they have 'längst' pursued. It can also be used to create a somber or reflective tone, suggesting that certain opportunities have passed or that time has taken its toll. In academic writing, it might be used to refer to theories or concepts that have been established for a considerable period, for instance, 'Diese Theorie wurde längst widerlegt.' (This theory was long ago refuted.)
Die Informationen sind längst veraltet. (The information has long since been outdated.)
- Educational Contexts
- In language learning materials and textbooks, 'längst' is often introduced to teach advanced temporal adverbs. You'll find it in example sentences designed to illustrate its meaning and usage, particularly in lessons focusing on past events, the passage of time, or expressing that something is no longer new. Teachers might use it to explain how to convey a sense of history or established fact in German. For instance, when discussing historical periods or long-standing scientific principles, 'längst' is a natural fit. It's a word that adds a specific nuance to the concept of 'long ago' that learners need to grasp for more fluent and idiomatic expression.
- Songs and Poetry
- In songs and poetry, 'längst' can be used for its evocative power. It can contribute to a melancholic, nostalgic, or epic tone, emphasizing the vastness of time or the enduring nature of certain feelings or events. A songwriter might use it to describe a love that has long since faded or a memory that has 'längst' become a part of the past. The word's sound and its inherent meaning of extended duration make it a fitting choice for artistic expression where time and memory are central themes. It adds a layer of depth and emotional resonance to lyrical content.
Das Urteil ist längst gefallen. (The verdict was long ago rendered.)
- Confusing 'längst' with 'lang'
- A very common mistake for learners is to confuse 'längst' with 'lang'. While 'lang' means 'long' (referring to duration or length), 'längst' specifically means 'long ago' or 'for a very long time,' emphasizing a past duration. You might hear someone say, 'Ich warte schon lang auf dich' (I've been waiting a long time for you), which is correct. However, saying 'Ich warte schon längst auf dich' is grammatically incorrect in this context; it would imply you *have already* waited and the waiting is a past event, not ongoing. The correct usage for 'längst' is typically with past tenses or to describe a state that has existed for a long time in the past. For example, 'Diese Regel ist längst abgeschafft.' (This rule was long ago abolished.) not 'Diese Regel ist lang abgeschafft.' (This rule is long abolished - which is less precise and potentially ambiguous).
- Incorrect Placement in Sentences
- The placement of 'längst' can be tricky. Learners might place it incorrectly, for example, after the past participle in perfect tenses where it should precede it, or at the end of a sentence where it doesn't convey the intended emphasis. Remember that 'längst' usually comes before the verb or adjective it modifies. For instance, the correct sentence is 'Das Problem ist längst gelöst.' (The problem has long since been solved.) An incorrect placement might be 'Das Problem ist gelöst längst.' or 'Das Problem ist gelöst, längst.' The latter might be understood but is stylistically awkward and less impactful. In subordinate clauses, it generally follows the conjugated verb: 'Ich glaube, dass er längst gegangen ist.' (I believe that he left long ago.)
- Overusing 'längst' for simple past actions
- 'Längst' implies a significant duration or a very distant past. Using it for actions that happened just a short while ago would be an overstatement and sound unnatural. For example, if you met someone yesterday, you wouldn't say 'Ich habe sie längst getroffen' (I met her long ago). This would be a misrepresentation of time. For recent past events, simpler past tense constructions or adverbs like 'gerade' (just) or 'vor kurzem' (recently) are more appropriate. 'Längst' should be reserved for situations where the elapsed time is substantial.
Mistake: 'Ich habe das lang gewusst.' Correct: 'Ich habe das längst gewusst.' (I knew that long ago.) - Here, 'lang' is incorrect because it implies ongoing knowledge, while 'längst' emphasizes the pastness of the knowing.
- Confusing 'längst' with 'schon'
- While both 'längst' and 'schon' can indicate that something happened earlier than expected or is already the case, they carry different nuances. 'Schon' is more general and means 'already.' 'Längst' implies a much longer duration or a more distant past. Using 'schon' where 'längst' is appropriate might understate the duration, and using 'längst' where 'schon' fits might sound like an overstatement or imply a very long time has passed when it hasn't. For example, 'Ich bin schon müde' (I'm already tired). If you've been tired for days, you might say 'Ich bin längst müde.' (I've been tired for ages.) The distinction lies in the degree of elapsed time.
- Using 'längst' in present continuous contexts
- German does not have a direct equivalent of the English present continuous tense. However, if one were to try and express an ongoing action with 'längst,' it would be incorrect. 'Längst' inherently refers to a past duration or a state that has been true for a long time. It's not used for actions happening *right now*. For instance, you wouldn't say 'Ich esse längst' (I am long since eating). This is grammatically nonsensical. Instead, you might say 'Ich esse schon lange' (I've been eating for a long time), but 'längst' is still best suited for completed past actions or states that have been true for a long time in the past. It's about a temporal marker of 'long ago' rather than 'currently ongoing for a long time'.
Mistake: 'Das ist lang überfällig.' Correct: 'Das ist längst überfällig.' (That is long overdue.) - 'Lang' is too weak here; 'längst' emphasizes the significant delay.
- 'Vor langer Zeit' (A long time ago)
- 'Vor langer Zeit' is a very direct translation of 'a long time ago.' It's a common and straightforward phrase. 'Längst' is often more emphatic and can imply that something is no longer new, is well-established, or is even overdue. While 'vor langer Zeit' simply states the time frame, 'längst' adds a layer of nuance. For example, 'Er hat sein Studium vor langer Zeit abgeschlossen' (He completed his studies a long time ago) is perfectly fine. However, 'Er hat sein Studium längst abgeschlossen' (He completed his studies long ago) suggests that it's a distant event and perhaps no longer relevant to his current situation, or that it was completed a very, very long time ago. 'Längst' often carries a stronger sense of finality or established pastness.
- 'Früher' (Earlier, formerly)
- 'Früher' is used to talk about the past in contrast to the present, often implying a change. It can mean 'formerly,' 'in the past,' or 'earlier.' It's less about a specific, very long duration and more about a past state or time. For example, 'Früher habe ich hier gewohnt' (I used to live here / I lived here formerly). 'Längst' is about how long ago something happened or has been true, whereas 'früher' is about a past state that is no longer the case. You wouldn't typically say 'Ich habe längst hier gewohnt' to mean 'I used to live here.' 'Früher' is the better choice for contrasting past situations with the present.
- 'Schon' (Already)
- 'Schon' means 'already' and indicates that something has happened sooner than expected or by a certain point. It's a more general temporal indicator. 'Längst' is a more specific form of 'schon' when the time elapsed is very long. For instance, 'Er ist schon da' (He is already here). If he was expected much earlier, you might say 'Er ist längst da' (He has been here for a very long time / He arrived long ago), implying a significant delay or a very early arrival. 'Längst' emphasizes the *extent* of the time that has passed, whereas 'schon' simply notes that something is complete or present.
Comparison: 'Das ist schon passiert.' (That has already happened.) vs. 'Das ist längst passiert.' (That happened long ago.)
- 'Ehemals' (Formerly, once)
- 'Ehemals' is a more formal or literary equivalent of 'früher' or 'einst' (once). It refers to a past state or condition that has changed. It does not carry the same temporal emphasis on a long duration as 'längst.' For example, 'Das war ehemals ein kleines Dorf.' (This was formerly a small village.) 'Längst' is about *when* something happened or has been true, emphasizing the passage of time. 'Ehemals' is about a past state that is now different.
- 'Seit Ewigkeiten' (For ages, for eternity)
- 'Seit Ewigkeiten' is an idiomatic expression that means 'for ages' or 'for a very, very long time.' It is more informal and often hyperbolic compared to 'längst.' While 'längst' can be used in formal contexts, 'seit Ewigkeiten' is more colloquial and emphasizes an almost unending duration. For example, 'Ich warte seit Ewigkeiten auf diesen Anruf!' (I've been waiting for this call for ages!) This is similar in meaning to 'längst' but with a more informal and exaggerated tone. 'Längst' can be more precise in its historical reference.
- 'Weit zurückliegen' (To lie far back)
- This verb phrase means 'to be far in the past' or 'to date back a long way.' It's a more descriptive way to talk about past events. For instance, 'Diese Tradition liegt weit zurück.' (This tradition dates back a long way.) 'Längst' is an adverb that can be used to express a similar idea, often more concisely: 'Diese Tradition gibt es längst.' (This tradition has existed for a long time.) The phrase 'weit zurückliegen' is more descriptive of the temporal distance, while 'längst' is a direct adverbial modifier.
Comparison: 'Er ist schon lange erwachsen.' (He has been an adult for a long time.) vs. 'Er ist längst erwachsen.' (He has long since been an adult.) - 'Längst' implies a more distant past or a more established state.
How Formal Is It?
Curiosidade
The evolution from 'langost' to 'längst' reflects a common linguistic process where superlative forms of adverbs and adjectives become specialized in meaning over time. In this case, 'längst' specifically took on the temporal meaning of 'long ago' or 'for a very long time,' distinguishing itself from the more general 'lang.' The umlaut 'ä' developed from an earlier 'a' sound influenced by the following 'n' and 'g' sounds, a typical process in Germanic languages.
Guia de pronúncia
- Pronouncing 'ä' as 'a' in 'father'.
- Not clearly articulating the 'ng' sound.
- Adding an extra vowel sound between 'n' and 'g'.
Nível de dificuldade
CEFR A2. 'Längst' is a common adverb that appears frequently in texts. Understanding its nuance of 'long ago' or 'long since' is key to comprehending the temporal context of sentences. Learners at this level should be able to grasp its basic meaning with context.
CEFR A2. Learners can begin using 'längst' correctly in simple sentences to express past duration. Mastering its placement and distinguishing it from 'lang' requires practice.
CEFR A2. Speaking with 'längst' effectively requires accurate pronunciation and understanding of its emphatic function. It's a useful word for adding descriptive detail about past events.
CEFR A2. Recognizing 'längst' in spoken German helps in understanding the speaker's intended temporal reference. Its distinct pronunciation aids in identification.
O que aprender depois
Pré-requisitos
Aprenda a seguir
Avançado
Gramática essencial
Adverb placement in German sentences.
'Längst' is an adverb and its placement can affect the emphasis. Typically, it precedes the verb or adjective it modifies. In subordinate clauses, it often follows the conjugated verb.
Use of past tenses (Perfekt, Präteritum) with adverbs of time.
'Längst' is often used with the Perfekt tense to indicate a completed action in the distant past: 'Das ist längst passiert.'
Modal verbs and infinitive constructions.
When used with modal verbs, 'längst' typically precedes the infinitive: 'Er sollte längst gekommen sein.'
Comparative and superlative forms of adjectives and adverbs.
'Längst' is the superlative form related to 'lang' (long), emphasizing the greatest duration or remoteness in the past.
Negation with 'nicht mehr' and its intensification with 'längst'.
'längst nicht mehr' intensifies the negation, meaning 'no longer by a long shot'.
Exemplos por nível
Das ist lange her.
That was long ago.
'lange her' is a common idiom for 'long ago'.
Wir haben das schon gesehen.
We have already seen that.
'schon' means 'already'.
Das ist alt.
That is old.
Simple adjective for 'old'.
Das war vor langer Zeit.
That was a long time ago.
'vor langer Zeit' is a common phrase for 'a long time ago'.
Ich erinnere mich nicht mehr.
I don't remember anymore.
'nicht mehr' means 'no longer' or 'not anymore'.
Das ist eine alte Geschichte.
That is an old story.
'alte Geschichte' can also mean 'an old tale'.
Das ist lange her, oder?
That was a long time ago, wasn't it?
Uses 'lange her' for emphasis on past time.
Wir haben das früher gemacht.
We used to do that.
'früher' means 'formerly' or 'in the past'.
Diese Tradition gibt es schon lange.
This tradition has existed for a long time.
'schon lange' emphasizes the duration.
Das ist längst überfällig.
That is long overdue.
'längst überfällig' conveys a significant delay.
Er hat diese Technik längst gemeistert.
He mastered this technique long ago.
'längst' emphasizes the past completion.
Die Informationen sind längst veraltet.
The information has long since become outdated.
'längst veraltet' stresses the obsolescence over time.
Sie ist längst erwachsen.
She has long since been an adult.
'längst erwachsen' implies she has been an adult for a considerable time.
Man hat das Problem längst gelöst.
The problem was solved long ago.
'längst gelöst' indicates the solution is not recent.
Das Buch ist längst ausverkauft.
The book has long since sold out.
'längst ausverkauft' emphasizes that it sold out a while ago.
Ich habe das schon früher gewusst.
I knew that earlier.
'schon früher' indicates prior knowledge.
Diese Technologie ist längst nicht mehr Stand der Technik.
This technology has long since ceased to be state-of-the-art.
'längst nicht mehr' strongly emphasizes that something is no longer current.
Die Entscheidung fiel längst, bevor wir davon erfuhren.
The decision was made long before we found out about it.
'längst bevor' indicates a significant time gap.
Er hat seine Schulden längst beglichen.
He settled his debts long ago.
'längst beglichen' implies the debts are a distant matter.
Das war längst klar, dass das passieren würde.
It was clear long ago that this would happen.
'längst klar' suggests foresight over a long period.
Diese Art von Musik ist schon lange nicht mehr populär.
This type of music has not been popular for a long time.
'schon lange nicht mehr' is similar to 'längst' but slightly less formal.
Wir hatten das längst erwartet.
We had long since expected that.
'längst erwartet' conveys a prolonged expectation.
Die Ernte ist längst eingebracht.
The harvest was brought in long ago.
'längst eingebracht' emphasizes the completion of the harvest in the distant past.
Er ist schon längst Rentner.
He has long since been a pensioner.
'schon längst Rentner' emphasizes a long period of retirement.
Die Debatte um dieses Thema ist längst noch nicht abgeschlossen.
The debate about this topic is far from over.
'längst noch nicht' is an emphatic negation, meaning 'far from' or 'not by a long shot'.
Man hätte diese Gefahr längst erkennen müssen.
This danger should have been recognized long ago.
'längst erkennen müssen' expresses a missed opportunity due to delay.
Die Auswirkungen dieser Entscheidung sind längst spürbar.
The effects of this decision have been noticeable for a long time.
'längst spürbar' indicates that the consequences have been apparent for a considerable period.
Dieser Brauch ist seit Jahrhunderten längst etabliert.
This custom has been established for centuries.
'längst etabliert' emphasizes the long-standing nature of the custom.
Er hat seine Meinung längst geändert, aber das weiß kaum jemand.
He changed his opinion long ago, but hardly anyone knows that.
'längst geändert' highlights the past change.
Die technischen Möglichkeiten waren längst vorhanden.
The technical possibilities existed long ago.
'längst vorhanden' implies that the potential was there for a considerable time.
Das Projekt ist längst abgeschlossen.
The project was completed long ago.
'längst abgeschlossen' emphasizes the past completion.
Diese Form der Korruption war längst bekannt.
This form of corruption was known long ago.
'längst bekannt' suggests the issue was recognized a long time in the past.
Die Auswirkungen dieser politischen Entscheidung sind längst über die Grenzen des Landes hinaus spürbar.
The consequences of this political decision have been noticeable far beyond the country's borders for a long time.
'längst über die Grenzen hinaus spürbar' emphasizes a long-standing international impact.
Es ist bedauerlich, dass eine solche Lösung nicht schon viel früher längst in Betracht gezogen wurde.
It is regrettable that such a solution was not considered much earlier.
'längst in Betracht gezogen wurde' implies a very long period of oversight.
Die wissenschaftliche Gemeinschaft hat diese Erkenntnis längst als Fakt akzeptiert.
The scientific community accepted this finding as fact long ago.
'längst als Fakt akzeptiert' signifies a long-standing consensus.
Die sozialen Ungleichheiten, die längst hätten behoben werden müssen, bestehen fort.
The social inequalities that should have been resolved long ago persist.
'längst hätten behoben werden müssen' emphasizes a critical and long-overdue need for action.
Es ist offensichtlich, dass die ursprünglichen Pläne längst ihre Relevanz verloren haben.
It is obvious that the original plans lost their relevance long ago.
'längst ihre Relevanz verloren haben' highlights a significant obsolescence over time.
Die Kritik an diesem System ist längst verstummt.
The criticism of this system has long since fallen silent.
'längst verstummt' indicates that criticism has ceased for a considerable time.
Die Hoffnung auf eine schnelle Lösung war längst geschwunden.
The hope for a quick solution had long since vanished.
'längst geschwunden' emphasizes the prolonged absence of hope.
Dieser literarische Stil wird längst nicht mehr zeitgemäß betrachtet.
This literary style has long since not been considered contemporary.
'längst nicht mehr zeitgemäß' strongly negates its current relevance.
Der Diskurs über die Notwendigkeit dieser Reformen war längst überfällig, doch erst jetzt zeichnet sich eine politische Einigung ab.
The discourse on the necessity of these reforms was long overdue, yet only now is a political consensus emerging.
'längst überfällig' underscores the extreme delay in discussion and action.
Die historischen Parallelen zu den gegenwärtigen globalen Spannungen sind längst offensichtlich, doch die kollektive Erinnerung scheint trügerisch kurzlebig.
The historical parallels to the current global tensions have long since been obvious, yet collective memory seems deceptively short-lived.
'längst offensichtlich' emphasizes the undeniable and long-standing nature of the parallels.
Es ist bedauerlich, dass die moralischen Implikationen dieser Technologie längst hätten einer kritischen Prüfung unterzogen werden müssen.
It is regrettable that the moral implications of this technology should have undergone critical examination long ago.
'längst hätten einer kritischen Prüfung unterzogen werden müssen' expresses a severe and long-standing oversight of ethical considerations.
Die einstigen Ideale, die dieser Bewegung zugrunde lagen, sind längst dem pragmatischen Kalkül gewichen.
The former ideals that underpinned this movement have long since given way to pragmatic calculation.
'längst dem pragmatischen Kalkül gewichen' signifies a profound and prolonged shift away from original principles.
Die wissenschaftliche Evidenz für diese Theorie war längst erdrückend, doch die dogmatische Opposition verharrte.
The scientific evidence for this theory was long ago overwhelming, yet the dogmatic opposition persisted.
'längst erdrückend' conveys an overwhelming and long-standing weight of proof.
Die kulturellen Artefakte, die in diesem Museum ausgestellt sind, stammen aus einer Zeit, die längst vergangen ist.
The cultural artifacts exhibited in this museum originate from a time that has long since passed.
'längst vergangen ist' emphasizes the extreme remoteness of the past era.
Es ist zynisch zu behaupten, dass die notwendigen strukturellen Reformen längst hätten umgesetzt werden können.
It is cynical to claim that the necessary structural reforms could have been implemented long ago.
'längst hätten umgesetzt werden können' highlights a prolonged and missed opportunity for implementation.
Die einst so vitalen sozialen Netzwerke sind längst dem kommerziellen Diktat unterworfen.
The once vibrant social networks have long since been subjected to commercial dictate.
'längst dem kommerziellen Diktat unterworfen' signifies a long-standing and fundamental shift in purpose.
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
— This means 'That was long ago.' It's a common way to refer to a distant past event.
Die Zeit, als wir Kinder waren, das ist längst her.
— This means 'long overdue.' It's used when something should have happened much earlier and the delay has been significant.
Eine Gehaltserhöhung wäre längst überfällig.
— This means 'no longer a secret' or 'it's been known for a long time.' It implies that something once secret is now common knowledge.
Dass sie heimlich heiraten wollten, war längst kein Geheimnis mehr.
— This means 'no longer the same.' It's used to describe a person or thing that has changed significantly over time, often for the worse or simply different.
Nach dem Unfall war er längst nicht mehr derselbe.
— This means 'long forgotten.' It refers to something that was once important or known but is now remembered by very few, if any.
Die genauen Details des Vorfalls sind längst vergessen.
— This means 'long past' or 'long over.' It indicates that a period, event, or situation has ended a considerable time ago.
Die Zeit der Sommerferien ist längst vorbei.
— This means 'long established.' It's used to describe traditions, systems, or concepts that have existed and been accepted for a very long time.
Diese Tradition ist in der Region längst etabliert.
— This means 'no longer a child.' It's used to emphasize that someone has grown up and is now an adult, and has been for a significant time.
Er ist längst kein Kind mehr, er hat eigene Verantwortung.
— This means 'long obsolete' or 'long outdated.' It's used for technology, ideas, or methods that are no longer current or useful due to age.
Seine Ansichten sind längst überholt.
— This is a very common construction meaning 'no longer' or 'not anymore.' It's used to state that a previous state or condition is no longer true.
Er isst kein Fleisch längst nicht mehr.
Frequentemente confundido com
'Lang' means 'long' in terms of duration or length. 'Längst' specifically means 'long ago' or 'for a very long time,' emphasizing a past duration. Using 'lang' where 'längst' is intended would be incorrect for emphasizing pastness.
'Schon' means 'already.' While both can indicate something happened earlier than expected, 'längst' implies a much longer duration or a more distant past than 'schon'.
'Früher' means 'earlier' or 'formerly' and is used to contrast past states with the present. 'Längst' emphasizes the extensive duration of pastness rather than just a past state.
Expressões idiomáticas
— This idiom means that something that was once secret or unknown is now widely known. It emphasizes that enough time has passed for the information to become public knowledge.
Dass er heimlich eine neue Firma gründen wollte, ist längst kein Geheimnis mehr.
Neutral— This idiom refers to a past era perceived as better or simpler than the present. The phrase 'längst vorbei' emphasizes how much time has elapsed since that perceived golden age.
Früher war alles einfacher, aber diese gute alte Zeit ist längst vorbei.
Informal— This idiom means that someone has changed significantly over time, often implying a negative transformation or a loss of former qualities. 'Längst nicht mehr' highlights the duration of this change.
Seit dem Unfall ist er längst nicht mehr derselbe.
Neutral— This idiom signifies that something should have happened or been done much earlier, and the delay has been considerable. It implies a strong sense of overdue action.
Eine Gehaltserhöhung wäre für viele Mitarbeiter längst überfällig.
Neutral— This idiom means that something is a thing of the past and no longer relevant or an issue. 'Längst' emphasizes the remoteness of the event or situation.
Die Auseinandersetzung von damals ist längst Geschichte.
Neutral— This idiom emphasizes that someone is no longer a child and has been an adult for a considerable period. It suggests maturity and independence that has been established over time.
Sie kümmert sich selbst um ihre Finanzen, sie ist längst erwachsen.
Neutral— Similar to the first idiom, this emphasizes that something that was once private or unknown is now common knowledge. The 'längst' stresses the extended period of time that has passed since it was a secret.
Dass sie heiraten wollen, ist längst kein Geheimnis mehr.
Neutral— This idiom means that a topic or issue has been resolved or is no longer being discussed or considered. 'Längst' indicates that this resolution happened a significant time ago.
Die Frage der Finanzierung ist längst vom Tisch.
Neutral— This idiom refers to technology, methods, or ideas that have become outdated and are no longer current or effective. 'Längst' emphasizes the long duration of their obsolescence.
Die analoge Fotografie ist längst überholt.
Neutral— This idiom means that someone has moved past a difficult experience or situation a long time ago and is no longer affected by it. 'Längst' highlights the extensive period of recovery.
Die Trennung liegt Jahre zurück, er hat das längst hinter sich.
NeutralFácil de confundir
Both words relate to duration and time.
'Lang' is a general term for 'long' (duration or length). 'Längst' is an adverb that specifically means 'long ago' or 'for a very long time,' emphasizing a past duration or state that is no longer current. For example, 'ein langes Leben' (a long life) uses 'lang,' while 'Er lebt längst hier' (He has lived here long since) uses 'längst' to imply he's been there for a very long time, and it's no longer a new situation.
Ich warte lang. (I am waiting long - implies ongoing waiting). Ich habe lang gewartet. (I waited for a long time). Ich habe längst gewartet. (I waited long ago - implies the waiting is a past event that happened a long time ago, or that the waiting is no longer relevant.)
Both can indicate something has happened earlier than expected or by a certain point.
'Schon' means 'already' and is a general temporal indicator. 'Längst' is a more specific and emphatic form of 'schon' when the time elapsed is very long, often implying that something is now well-established, outdated, or overdue. For instance, 'Er ist schon da' (He is already here) is a simple statement of presence. 'Er ist längst da' (He has been here long since/He arrived long ago) implies he arrived much earlier than expected or has been here for a considerable, perhaps noteworthy, duration.
Das ist schon passiert. (That has already happened.) Das ist längst passiert. (That happened long ago.)
Both refer to the past.
'Früher' means 'earlier,' 'formerly,' or 'in the past,' and is used to contrast a past state with the present. It doesn't necessarily emphasize the duration. 'Längst' emphasizes the extended duration or remoteness of the past. For example, 'Früher war ich schlank' (I used to be slim) contrasts past and present. 'Diese Regel gilt längst nicht mehr' (This rule has long since no longer been valid) uses 'längst' to emphasize the long time it has been invalid.
Ich habe früher dort gewohnt. (I used to live there.) Ich wohne dort längst nicht mehr. (I no longer live there, and it's been a long time.)
Both mean 'long ago' or refer to a distant past.
'Vor langer Zeit' is a direct phrase meaning 'a long time ago.' It's a general statement of pastness. 'Längst' is an adverb that often carries a stronger emphasis on the extent of the duration, implying that something is no longer new, is well-established, or is even overdue. It can be more concise and emphatic than 'vor langer Zeit.'
Das war vor langer Zeit. (That was a long time ago - general.) Das ist längst passiert. (That happened long ago - more emphatic about the pastness and completion.)
Both refer to a significant duration in time.
'Seit langem' means 'for a long time' and can refer to a duration that is ongoing or has been completed. 'Längst' typically refers to something that happened or has been true in the past, often with a sense of finality or established history. For example, 'Sie lebt seit langem hier' (She has lived here for a long time - ongoing) vs. 'Sie ist längst weggezogen' (She moved away long ago - completed past action).
Das Problem besteht seit langem. (The problem has existed for a long time.) Das Problem ist längst gelöst. (The problem was solved long ago.)
Padrões de frases
Subject + längst + Verb (past participle/simple past)
Wir haben das längst gekauft.
Subject + ist/sind + längst + Adjective
Diese Regel ist längst ungültig.
Subject + Modal Verb + längst + Infinitive
Du solltest längst schlafen gehen.
Subordinate Clause: ..., dass + Subject + ... + längst + Verb
Er weiß, dass wir längst hier sind.
Längst + Conjugated Verb + Subject + ... (fronted for emphasis)
Längst ist die Zeit der Diktatur vorbei.
längst nicht mehr + Adjective/Verb
Dieses Restaurant ist längst nicht mehr dasselbe.
Passive voice with 'längst' to indicate past completion.
Der Vertrag wurde längst unterschrieben.
Complex sentence structure emphasizing a long past duration before another event.
Die Aufgabe war längst erledigt, als die Prüfung begann.
Família de palavras
Relacionado
Como usar
High (common adverb)
-
Confusing 'längst' with 'lang'.
→
Ich habe das längst gewusst. (I knew that long ago.)
'Lang' refers to general duration or length. 'Längst' specifically means 'long ago' or 'for a very long time,' emphasizing a past duration. Saying 'Ich habe das lang gewusst' implies ongoing knowledge, whereas 'längst' emphasizes the pastness of the knowing.
-
Incorrect placement in sentences.
→
Das Problem ist längst gelöst.
'Längst' is an adverb and usually precedes the verb or adjective it modifies. Placing it after the past participle in perfect tenses is incorrect: 'Das Problem ist gelöst längst.'
-
Using 'längst' for recent past events.
→
Ich habe ihn gestern getroffen. (I met him yesterday.)
'Längst' implies a significant passage of time. Using it for recent events like yesterday is an overstatement. For recent events, use adverbs like 'gestern' (yesterday) or 'vor kurzem' (recently).
-
Confusing 'längst' with 'schon' when emphasizing duration.
→
Das ist längst überfällig.
'Schon' means 'already.' While it can indicate something happened earlier, 'längst' specifically emphasizes a *very long* duration or a highly overdue situation. 'Das ist schon überfällig' is less emphatic than 'Das ist längst überfällig.'
-
Using 'längst' to describe ongoing present situations.
→
Ich esse schon lange (nicht mehr).
'Längst' refers to the past. It cannot be used to describe something that is currently happening for a long time. For ongoing situations, use constructions with 'schon lange' or 'seit langem'.
Dicas
Emphasize the Past
Use 'längst' when you want to strongly emphasize that something happened a very long time ago, or has been true for an extended duration. It adds a sense of history or established fact to your statement.
Placement Matters
Remember that 'längst' is an adverb and usually precedes the verb or adjective it modifies. In perfect tenses, it often comes before the past participle. For example: 'Das Problem ist längst gelöst.' (The problem is long since solved.)
Distinguish from 'lang'
Don't confuse 'längst' (long ago) with 'lang' (long). 'Lang' refers to general duration or length, while 'längst' specifically denotes a distant past. For example, 'ein langes Warten' (a long wait) vs. 'das Warten ist längst vorbei' (the waiting is long since over).
Clear 'Ä' Sound
Pronounce the 'ä' in 'längst' clearly, similar to the 'e' in 'bed.' The 'ngst' ending should be articulated distinctly. Practicing the pronunciation will help native speakers understand you better.
Overdue Situations
'Längst' is frequently used in phrases like 'längst überfällig' (long overdue) to express that something should have happened much earlier. This highlights the significant delay.
Visual Association
Imagine a very old, ancient tree with deep roots. This visual helps remember that 'längst' refers to something that has been around for a very long time, deeply rooted in the past.
vs. 'schon lange'
'Längst' is often more emphatic than 'schon lange' (already for a long time). While both indicate duration, 'längst' usually implies a more distant past or a greater degree of establishedness or obsolescence.
Sentence Building
Practice creating sentences using 'längst' in different contexts: describing historical events, outdated items, or overdue actions. This will solidify your understanding and usage.
Sense of Established Past
'Längst' often implies that something is no longer new or surprising because it has been true for so long. It suggests a state that is well-established in the past.
Common Idiomatic Uses
Be aware of common idioms like 'längst kein Geheimnis mehr' (no longer a secret) or 'längst vorbei' (long past) to enrich your vocabulary and understanding of natural German expressions.
Memorize
Mnemônico
Imagine a very, very long road stretching far into the distance, almost disappearing. You can say, 'This road has existed längst!' This visual of an extremely long, ancient road helps remember the 'long ago' meaning of 'längst.'
Associação visual
Picture an ancient sundial, its shadow having moved across the dial countless times. The time it represents is 'längst' past. Or, think of a very old tree with deep roots, symbolizing something that has been there for a very long time.
Word Web
Desafio
Try to describe three things in your life that happened 'längst.' For example, 'My grandparents' wedding was längst.' or 'The invention of the internet was längst.'
Origem da palavra
The word 'längst' derives from the Old High German word 'langost,' which itself is a superlative form of 'lang' (long). It evolved through Middle High German as 'longest' or 'langest.' The sense of 'long ago' is an intensification of the idea of 'long' duration stretching into the past.
Significado original: Superlative of 'lang' (long), originally meaning 'longest' in duration or extent.
GermanicContexto cultural
The use of 'längst' is generally neutral. However, in contexts discussing historical injustices or prolonged suffering, its use should be sensitive. For example, referring to a historical period of oppression as 'längst' over might be appropriate, but it should be done with an awareness of the ongoing impact and memory of those events.
In English-speaking cultures, phrases like 'long ago,' 'ages ago,' 'since time immemorial,' or 'by now' convey similar meanings, but 'längst' often carries a more specific emphasis on the extent of the past duration and can imply a sense of established fact or overdue completion.
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
Discussing historical events or personal memories.
- Das ist längst her.
- Diese Zeiten sind längst vorbei.
- Ich erinnere mich an damals, das war längst...
Talking about things that are outdated or no longer current.
- Das ist längst veraltet.
- Diese Technologie ist längst überholt.
- Das ist längst kein Geheimnis mehr.
Expressing that something is overdue or should have happened earlier.
- Das ist längst überfällig.
- Eine Reaktion wäre längst nötig gewesen.
Describing established traditions or long-standing situations.
- Diese Tradition ist längst etabliert.
- Er ist längst Rentner.
- Das ist längst bekannt.
Emphasizing a significant change over time.
- Er ist längst nicht mehr derselbe.
- Die Stadt hat sich längst verändert.
Iniciadores de conversa
"Was ist etwas, das du schon längst machen wolltest, aber noch nicht dazu gekommen bist?"
"Gibt es ein historisches Ereignis, das deiner Meinung nach längst vergessen ist, aber wichtig sein sollte?"
"Welche Technologie aus deiner Kindheit wirkt heute längst überholt?"
"Was ist eine Tradition, die in deiner Familie schon längst besteht?"
"Wenn du an deine Schulzeit zurückdenkst, was ist etwas, das dir jetzt längst unwichtig erscheint?"
Temas para diário
Schreibe über ein Ereignis aus deiner Kindheit, das dir jetzt längst in der Vergangenheit vorkommt. Beschreibe deine Gefühle und Erinnerungen.
Denke über eine Meinung nach, die du früher hattest, die du heute längst geändert hast. Was hat zu dieser Veränderung geführt?
Beschreibe eine Fähigkeit oder ein Wissen, das du dir schon längst aneignen wolltest. Was hält dich davon ab?
Erinnere dich an eine Situation, in der du etwas längst überfällig erledigen musstest. Wie hast du dich gefühlt, als es endlich passiert ist?
Welche kulturelle oder gesellschaftliche Entwicklung findest du, die längst hätte stattfinden sollen, aber noch auf sich warten lässt?
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasThe German word 'lang' means 'long' and can refer to duration or physical length. For example, 'ein langer Weg' (a long way) or 'ich warte lange' (I am waiting a long time). 'Längst,' on the other hand, is an adverb that specifically means 'long ago' or 'for a very long time,' emphasizing that something happened in the distant past or has been true for an extended period. So, while 'lang' is general, 'längst' is specific to a long past duration. For instance, 'Das ist lange her' (That is long ago) is general, but 'Das ist längst passiert' (That happened long ago) adds more emphasis on the pastness and completion.
While 'längst' primarily refers to the past, it can be used with the present tense in specific contexts to indicate a state that has existed for a very long time and is still true, implying it's no longer a new situation. For example, 'Er ist längst erwachsen' (He has long since been an adult) uses the present tense 'ist' but 'längst' refers to the duration of his adulthood. However, it's most commonly used with past tenses to describe events that concluded long ago.
The most direct and common translation for 'long since' is 'längst.' It effectively conveys the meaning of something having happened or been true for a considerable time in the past. For example, 'The problem has long since been solved' translates to 'Das Problem ist längst gelöst.'
'Längst' can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its meaning of emphasizing a long past duration makes it suitable for historical discussions, literary works, and also for everyday conversation when you want to highlight how long ago something occurred or has been true. It's a versatile adverb.
Both 'längst' and 'schon lange' relate to a long duration. 'Schon lange' means 'already for a long time' and can sometimes imply an ongoing state. 'Längst' often carries a stronger emphasis on the distant past and completion, or an established state that is no longer new or surprising. For example, 'Das Problem besteht schon lange' (The problem has existed for a long time) might refer to an ongoing issue, while 'Das Problem ist längst gelöst' (The problem was solved long ago) refers to a completed past action.
No, 'längst' is exclusively used to refer to the past. It signifies that something happened or has been true a long time ago. It cannot be used to describe future events. For future references, words like 'bald' (soon) or 'später' (later) are appropriate.
'Längst' is an adverb. Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, providing more information about time, manner, place, or degree. In the case of 'längst,' it specifically modifies the temporal aspect, indicating a distant past or a long duration that has already passed.
The pronunciation is approximately /'lɛŋst/. The stress is on the first syllable ('längst'). The 'ä' sound is similar to the 'e' in 'bed,' and the 'ngst' is pronounced as in 'longest' in English, but with a clear 'ng' sound before the 'st'.
Yes, very common phrases include 'längst überfällig' (long overdue), 'längst vorbei' (long past/over), 'längst vergessen' (long forgotten), and 'längst nicht mehr' (no longer by a long shot). These phrases are frequently used in both spoken and written German.
'Vor langer Zeit' is a general phrase meaning 'a long time ago.' 'Längst' is an adverb that is often more emphatic, suggesting not just a distant past, but also that the event or state is well-established, no longer new, or perhaps even overdue. 'Längst' can often replace 'vor langer Zeit' but adds a stronger nuance.
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Summary
The German adverb 'längst' signifies that something happened or has been the case for a very long time, indicating a considerable duration that extends far into the past. It's used to emphasize that an event or state is not recent but has existed for an exceptionally long period, often implying it's well-established or overdue. Think of it as 'long since' or 'ages ago'.
- Längst: Adverb meaning 'long ago' or 'for a very long time'.
- Emphasizes extended past duration.
- Used for established facts, overdue situations, or distant past events.
- More emphatic than 'lang' or 'schon'.
Emphasize the Past
Use 'längst' when you want to strongly emphasize that something happened a very long time ago, or has been true for an extended duration. It adds a sense of history or established fact to your statement.
Placement Matters
Remember that 'längst' is an adverb and usually precedes the verb or adjective it modifies. In perfect tenses, it often comes before the past participle. For example: 'Das Problem ist längst gelöst.' (The problem is long since solved.)
Distinguish from 'lang'
Don't confuse 'längst' (long ago) with 'lang' (long). 'Lang' refers to general duration or length, while 'längst' specifically denotes a distant past. For example, 'ein langes Warten' (a long wait) vs. 'das Warten ist längst vorbei' (the waiting is long since over).
Clear 'Ä' Sound
Pronounce the 'ä' in 'längst' clearly, similar to the 'e' in 'bed.' The 'ngst' ending should be articulated distinctly. Practicing the pronunciation will help native speakers understand you better.
Conteúdo relacionado
Frases relacionadas
Mais palavras de time
abgelaufen
A2Expirado, vencido. 'O leite está vencido' (Die Milch ist abgelaufen). 'O prazo expirou' (Die Frist ist abgelaufen).
ablaufen
A2Expirar ou caducar (documentos, comida). Decorrer ou realizar-se (um evento).
anfangs
A2No início de um processo ou período de tempo.
aufschieben
A2Adiar ou postergar uma tarefa ou decisão.
außerplanmäßig
A2Que não faz parte do plano original. Acontece de forma inesperada ou como uma exceção.
befristen
A2Limitar no tempo ou estabelecer um prazo.
befristet
A2Que dura apenas por um período de tempo específico e limitado.
beizeiten
A2Com antecedência suficiente, antes que seja tarde.
bevorstehend
A2Bevorstehend significa que algo está prestes a acontecer muito em breve, iminente ou futuro.
circa
A2Indica que uma quantidade não é exata, mas sim aproximada.
