stundenlang

stundenlang is a German adverb meaning “for hours” or “for hours on end.” It emphasizes a long duration of an action or state, often implying a lengthy, sustained effort or waiting. The word is commonly used to describe activities that stretch over many hours, such as conversations, tasks, or time spent in a place.

The term is etymologically a compound of Stunde (hour) and lang (long). It is written as a single, lowercase word, reflecting its status as a fixed adverb rather than a separate noun.

In use, stundenlang typically modifies a verb: Wir saßen stundenlang im Café. Wir haben stundenlang telefoniert. It can convey a sense of endurance or fatigue, depending on context. While it is most common in narrative or descriptive prose, it also appears in spoken language and informal writing to highlight extended duration.

Related duration expressions include tagelang (all day), wochenlang (for weeks), and monatelang (for months). These forms function similarly but vary in the length of time they express.

Overall, stundenlang is a versatile, neutral term for describing activities or states that persist for many hours, and it is widely understood across German-speaking regions.