Mastering 'Während' in German: Grammar, Usage, and Common Mistakes

The German word "während" is incredibly useful but often causes confusion among learners due to its dual function as both a preposition and a subordinating conjunction. In this detailed guide, we will break down its meanings, grammatical rules, sentence structures, and potential pitfalls. By the end, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how to correctly use "während" in both written and spoken German.

The Two Main Uses of "Während"

The word "während" can function in two distinct ways:

As a preposition (indicating time or contrast, governing the genitive case)
As a subordinating conjunction (introducing a dependent clause that indicates simultaneous actions)

Each function follows different grammatical rules, so understanding these distinctions is essential.

"Während" as a Preposition

As a preposition, "während" means "during" or "while" and always governs the genitive case (though colloquially, the dative case is sometimes used, particularly in spoken German).

1. Temporal Use: Indicating a Time Frame

When "während" expresses the idea of "during," it is followed by a noun in the genitive case.

Example 1: Using the Genitive Case

German
Während des Urlaubs haben wir viel gelesen.

Explanation: "Urlaubs" (vacation) is in the genitive case.
Translation: During the vacation, we read a lot.

Example 2: Colloquial Use with Dative

German
Während dem Spiel hat es angefangen zu regnen.

Explanation: "dem Spiel" (the game) is in the dative case. While grammatically incorrect in formal writing, this is common in spoken German.
Translation: During the game, it started to rain.

2. Contrastive Use: Indicating Opposition

"Während" can also indicate contrast, similar to "whereas" in English.

Example 1: Opposing Two Statements

German
Während meines Studiums habe ich viel gelernt, aber mein Bruder hat gearbeitet.

Explanation: The phrase contrasts the speaker studying and the brother working.
Translation: While I was studying, my brother was working.

"Während" as a Subordinating Conjunction

As a subordinating conjunction, "während" means "while" and introduces a subordinate clause that describes an action occurring simultaneously with the main clause.

Word Order Rule:

Since "während" is a subordinating conjunction, the finite verb moves to the end of the subordinate clause.

Example 1: Two Actions Happening at the Same Time

German
Ich höre Musik, während ich arbeite.

Explanation: The action of listening to music happens at the same time as working.
Translation: I listen to music while I work.

Example 2: Past Tense Usage

German
Während sie schlief, klingelte das Telefon.

Explanation: The sleeping was ongoing when the phone rang.
Translation: While she was sleeping, the phone rang.

Example 3: Compound Sentences with Different Tenses

German
Während ich studierte, hatte mein Bruder schon einen Job.

Explanation: The two actions happen in different tenses; the speaker was still studying while the brother already had a job.
Translation: While I was studying, my brother already had a job.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Using the Wrong Case After "Während" as a Preposition

Incorrect:

German
Während der Urlaub haben wir viel gelesen.

Problem: "Urlaub" (vacation) must be in the genitive case.

Correct:

German
Während des Urlaubs haben wir viel gelesen.

2. Incorrect Word Order in Subordinate Clauses

Incorrect:

German
Während ich arbeite, ich höre Musik.

Problem: The verb "höre" must be at the end.

Correct:

German
Während ich arbeite, höre ich Musik.

3. Confusing "Während" with "Währenddessen"

"Während" is a subordinating conjunction or preposition.
"Währenddessen" is an adverb meaning "meanwhile" and is used differently.

Example:

German
Ich koche das Abendessen. Währenddessen deckt mein Bruder den Tisch.

Translation: I am cooking dinner. Meanwhile, my brother is setting the table.

Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Correct Form of "Während"

Are you using "während" to refer to a noun?
- Yes → Use it as a preposition and follow it with a genitive noun.
- No → Proceed to Step 2.
Are you connecting two clauses describing simultaneous actions?
- Yes → Use "während" as a subordinating conjunction and place the verb at the end of the subordinate clause.
- No → Consider whether you need "währenddessen" instead.

Practice Exercises

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of "während" and adjust the word order if necessary:

**__** (ich lese), hört mein Bruder Musik.
**__** (die Besprechung) hat mein Chef Notizen gemacht.
**__** (wir spazieren gingen), begann es zu regnen.
Mein Freund arbeitet, **__** ich noch studiere.
Ich habe viel gelernt **__** meiner Schulzeit.

Solutions available after attempting the exercises.

Understanding "während" and mastering its correct usage will significantly improve your German fluency. Whether indicating simultaneous actions or expressing contrast, knowing how to use "während" accurately will make your speech and writing more natural. Keep practicing, and soon it will become second nature!