Ausdauer
/ˈaʊ̯sdaʊ̯ɐ/feminine
The English phrase 'endurance' is translated into German as Ausdauer or Durchhaltevermögen.
Meaning: the measure of a person's stamina or persistence (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ausdauer | /ˈaʊ̯sdaʊ̯ɐ/ | feminine |
| Durchhaltevermögen | neuter |
Both words describe a person's ability to persist or sustain an effort, but they are used in different contexts depending on whether the focus is on physical or mental strength.
What does it mean word for word?
Durchhaltevermögen is a compound of durchhalten (to hold out/endure) and Vermögen (ability/capacity), literally meaning 'the ability to hold out'.
Which one should you use?
Ausdauer is typically used when referring to physical stamina or the ability to sustain an activity over time. In contrast, Durchhaltevermögen is typically used when referring to mental grit, tenacity or the capacity to persevere through a difficult situation.
How does it change in a sentence?
Ausdauer is a feminine noun, while Durchhaltevermögen is a neuter noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈaʊ̯sdaʊ̯ɐ/
Did you know?
- While Ausdauer is the standard term for cardio training, a German coach might tell an athlete to have more Biss, which means 'bite'. This is a colloquial way to demand the mental endurance of Durchhaltevermögen.
- The word Vermögen in Durchhaltevermögen usually means 'fortune' or 'wealth' in a financial context. In this phrase, it refers instead to a mental 'capacity' or 'power'.
- The word Ausdauer is derived from the verb ausdauern, which is an old term meaning 'to last until the end'. While the verb is rarely used today, the noun remains a staple of German sports and health vocabulary.
Examples in context
- Es bedarf eines großen Durchhaltevermögens, zehntausend Sätze hinzuzufügen.You need great endurance to add ten thousand sentences.This sentence shows the use of Durchhaltevermögen in the context of a difficult task.Tatoeba #2607427 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2607396 by Hybrid
- Er hatte genug Ausdauer, um einen Marathon zu laufen.He had enough endurance to run a marathon.This sentence shows the use of Ausdauer in the context of a physical activity.Tatoeba #5208502 by YasathDias, translation #5208355 by AlanF_US
- Er hat in seinem Beruf eine außergewöhnliche Ausdauer gezeigt.He has shown exceptional endurance in his profession.
- Ihr Durchhaltevermögen hat sie zu großen Erfolgen geführt.Her endurance has led her to great successes.
- Du schaffst das, nur noch ein bisschen durchhalten!You can do it, just hang in there a little longer!
- Sein Stehvermögen half ihm, die Hürden zu überwinden.His endurance helped him overcome the hurdles.
- Die Ausdauer beim Training ist wichtig.Endurance during training is important.
Example conversation
Felix and Julia are jogging together in the park.
- FelixIch bin schon total außer Atem, Julia.I'm already completely out of breath, Julia.
- JuliaDu musst einfach mehr an deiner Ausdauer arbeiten.You just have to work more on your endurance.
- FelixHast du Tipps für mich, Felix zu helfen?Do you have tips to help Felix?
- JuliaLauf einfach jeden Tag eine kleine Runde.Just run a small lap every day.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “endurance” translations and entries Ausdauer, Durchhaltevermögen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
