während

Während is a German word that functions primarily as a subordinating conjunction meaning "while" or "during." It introduces clauses that express temporal relationships or, in some contexts, contrast. When it introduces a subordinate clause, the finite verb generally appears at the end of that clause, as in: Während ich koche, höre ich Musik.

As a preposition, während governs the genitive: während des Meetings, während der Pause. This use means "during" in a temporal sense and is common in formal writing. In everyday spoken German, some speakers use während dem, which is considered nonstandard by prescriptive grammar.

Usage notes and examples: The conjunction use can express simultaneity or contrast between two situations. Examples: Während er arbeitet, hört er Musik. Während der Pause traf sich das Team. The related adverb währenddessen means "in the meantime" and is used to connect two clauses while emphasizing a time gap between them.