Andauern

Andauern is a German verb that means to continue, persist, or endure for a prolonged period. It is used to describe conditions, processes, or events that last beyond an initial expectation or that maintain themselves over time. The sense is close to the verb dauern, but andauern emphasizes ongoing persistence.

Etymology and forms: andauern is formed with the root dauern and the element an-, conveying continuation or lingering. It is an intransitive verb; its subject is typically a condition or occurrence rather than a person. The noun das Andauern, meaning persistence or ongoing duration, is used in formal or descriptive contexts.

Usage: andauern appears in contexts such as complaints, weather, conflicts, or symptoms, where the phenomenon remains present. Common constructions include sentences like “Die Beschwerden dauern an” and “Der Regen dauert an.” In past narratives, the simple past is often rendered with Dauerte an or andauerte, as in “Die Beschwerden dauerten/andauerten an.” The verb is more formal or literary than everyday, and in many cases can be substituted by fortdauern or einfach dauern without changing the meaning significantly.

Related terms: synonyms include fortdauern (to continue for a longer time), and andauernd (persistent; ongoing as an adjective). The concept contrasts with abklingen or nachlassen, which indicate a fading or decline of a condition.

See also: duation-related terms in German, such as Dauer, Fortdauer, and the verb dauern for general usage.

This entry provides a concise overview of andauern, its meaning, usage, and related terms in standard German.