Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Zeitraum | /ˈtsaɪ̯tʁaʊ̯m/ | masculine |
| Periode | /peˈri̯oːdə/ | feminine |
In German, the choice of word depends on whether you are talking about a general interval of time or a specific cycle. Use Zeitraum for general intervals, such as a period of several years or a period of time during a project. Use Periode specifically when referring to biological menstrual cycles or specific historical or scientific cycles. If you wish to emphasize the duration of a period of time, the formal term Dauer can be used.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Zeitraum is a compound of Zeit (time) and Raum (space/room), literally meaning a 'space of time'.
Which one should you use?
Zeitraum is used for general intervals of time, whereas Periode is reserved for biological menstrual cycles or specific historical and scientific cycles.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of the masculine noun Zeitraum is Zeiträume. The plural of the feminine noun Periode is Perioden.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtsaɪ̯tʁaʊ̯m/
When do people say it?
When an English speaker uses 'period!' to signal that a topic is closed or an argument is finished, German speakers might use the loanword basta informally or use the colloquial phrase Punkt. Aus. Ende. to achieve a similar effect of finality.
Did you know?
- Because Periode is so strongly associated with menstrual cycles in modern German, using it for a general 'period of time' can cause significant social awkwardness.
- The suffix '-e' in Periode was actually added to the word in the 17th century to make it sound more like the French word période.
- Because Zeitraum combines 'time' and 'space', a German speaker might conceptualize a period of time as a container with volume.
Examples in context
- Wie fühlen Sie sich während der Periode?How do you feel during your period?This sentence is useful for asking about someone's well-being during their Periode.Tatoeba #1567059 by al_ex_an_der, translation #1567071 by ddnktr
- Meine Periode ist fünf Wochen überfällig.My period is five weeks late.This sentence is useful for stating that a Periode is late.Tatoeba #765396 by jakov, translation #271887 by jakov
- Welche Periode der Geschichte studierst du?Which period of history are you studying?This sentence is useful for asking about a specific historical Periode.Tatoeba #1526725 by Esperantostern, translation #68851 by sundown
- Die Periode der Renaissance war eine wichtige Ära in der europäischen Geschichte.The period of the Renaissance was an important era in European history.
- Die Dauer des Urlaubs beträgt zwei Wochen.The duration of the vacation is two weeks.
- Ich befinde mich gerade in einer schwierigen Phase meines Lebens.I'm currently going through a difficult period in my life.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are discussing their vacation plans.
- MaximilianIst der Zeitraum für den Urlaub fest?Is the period for the vacation fixed?
- LauraNein, wir können den Zeitraum noch ändern.No, we can still change the time period.
- MaximilianDas ist gut, ich muss viel arbeiten.That is good, I have to work a lot.
- LauraDann suchen wir uns einen besseren Zeitraum.Then we will look for a better time period.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “period” translations and entries Zeitraum, Periode, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Periode, Zeitraum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
