durcharbeiten

Durcharbeiten is a German term that functions as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to work through something thoroughly, to process material until it is completed, or to push on for an extended period, such as through the night. The prefix durch- indicates thoroughness or completion, combined with arbeiten (to work). The verb is separable: Ich arbeite das Material durch. In the perfect tense: Ich habe das Material durchgearbeitet. Other forms include du arbeitest durch and er arbeitet die Nacht durch.

As a noun, das Durcharbeiten refers to the act or process of working through something. It can appear with a genitive to specify what is being processed: das Durcharbeiten der Lernunterlagen.

Usage and contexts: In education and study, Lernstoff durcharbeiten means to study systematically, reading, understanding, and practicing until mastery. In professional settings, teams durcharbeiten Unterlagen, Pläne or Berichte, meaning they review, refine, and finalize the contents. The expression die Nacht durcharbeiten is used to describe staying up to finish a task or project.

Examples: Sie muss den Lernstoff bis morgen durcharbeiten. Wir haben die Unterlagen gründlich durchgearbeitet. Er arbeitet heute die Nacht durch. Das Durcharbeiten der Berichte war zeitaufwendig.

Notes: Durcharbeiten contrasts with durchlesen (read through) or durchsehen (scan or inspect) by emphasizing active processing and completion rather than mere reading or inspection.