Laufdauer

Laufdauer is a German noun that denotes the length of time something runs or operates from start to finish. It combines Laufen (to run or operate) with Dauer (duration). The term is used across various fields to express how long a process, device, or event continues to function or unfold.

In technical and scientific contexts, Laufdauer is common for describing operational time and endurance. Examples include die Laufdauer einer Batterie (battery runtime), die Laufdauer eines Motors (motor operating time), or die Laufdauer eines Generators under specified load. It can also refer to the overall service life of a machine or component, especially when the emphasis is on continuous operation rather than a one-off event.

In media and entertainment, Laufzeit is the usual term for the total running time of a film, program, or episode, while Laufdauer appears less frequently and is typically reserved for formal or technical descriptions. In everyday usage, Laufdauer can be close in meaning to Betriebsdauer or Laufzeit, but preferred terms may vary by field and style guide.

Measurement of Laufdauer follows standard time units, such as seconds, minutes, or hours, with longer durations sometimes expressed in days. Because Laufdauer depends on operating conditions and usage patterns, precise specification often includes relevant factors like load, environment, and duty cycle to convey the expected runtime accurately.