der  Leerlauf

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈleːɐ̯ˌlaʊf/

🚗 What exactly does "der Leerlauf" mean?

The word der Leerlauf primarily describes two states:

• Technical meaning: The state of an engine (e.g., in a car) that is running without a gear being engaged or power being drawn. The engine is running "empty", i.e., idling.
• Figurative meaning: A phase of inactivity, standstill, or lack of productivity. Nothing meaningful or progressive is happening.

It is a masculine noun and always uses the article "der".

🧐 Grammar of Leerlauf in Detail

Der Leerlauf is a masculine noun. The plural ("die Leerläufe") is rarely used and mostly refers to specific technical processes or repeated phases of inactivity, not the abstract state itself.

Declension (Singular)

Note: The Genitive and Dative forms ending in "-es" or "-e" are less common and often sound a bit more formal or dated.

Example Sentences 💡

1. Der Motor läuft im Leerlauf ruhig.
   (The engine runs quietly in idle.)
2. Nach dem Projekt gab es erstmal einen langen Leerlauf im Büro.
   (After the project, there was a long period of inactivity in the office first.)
3. Die Kosten des Leerlaufs sind oft höher als gedacht.
   (The costs of the standstill are often higher than expected.)
4. Man sollte den Motor nicht unnötig im Leerlauf laufen lassen.
   (One shouldn't let the engine run unnecessarily in idle.)

🔧 When and how to use "Leerlauf"?

Contexts:

• Vehicles & Machines: Very common to describe letting the engine run while stationary. Example: "Lass den Wagen nicht im Leerlauf warmlaufen." (Don't warm up the car by letting it idle.)
• Work & Projects: Often used to denote phases without tasks, orders, or progress. Example: "Zwischen den Aufträgen haben wir oft etwas Leerlauf." (Between orders, we often have some downtime/inactivity.)
• Personal Time: Sometimes also used for periods of personal inactivity or boredom. Example: "Am Sonntag hatte ich viel Leerlauf und wusste nichts anzufangen." (On Sunday, I had a lot of idle time and didn't know what to do.)

Distinction from similar words:

• Stillstand: Similar, but often emphasizes the complete cessation of movement or activity. Leerlauf often implies that something (like the engine) is still running, but without effect.
• Pause: Refers to an intentional, often time-limited interruption. Leerlauf can also be unintentional and longer.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of 'DER Motor' (the engine). When DER Motor runs without driving, that's DER Leerlauf.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine something running (Lauf), but the tank or purpose is empty (leer). It's 'running empty' or 'running into the void', achieving nothing = Leerlauf (idling, standstill).

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

Beware of confusion: Don't confuse with "Freilauf" (freewheel, e.g., on a bicycle) or the non-existent word "Lehrlauf" (which just sounds similar).

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Computer Leerlauf?
Weil er gerade seine Gedanken schweifen lässt – zwischen Null und Eins!

Translation: Why is the computer idling?
Because it's letting its thoughts wander – between zero and one!

📜 A Short Poem

Der Motor brummt, doch steht der Wagen still,
im Leerlauf nur, ganz ohne Ziel und Will'.
Auch im Büro, wenn nichts zu tun,
herrscht Leerlauf, Zeit, sich auszuruhn?
Doch Vorsicht, wenn er lange währt,
hat Fortschritt sich bald abgewehrt.

Translation:
The engine hums, but the car stands still,
Just idling, without aim or will.
In the office too, when there's naught to do,
Is it idle time, a rest for you?
But beware if it lasts too long,
Progress soon finds itself wronged.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich laufe, doch beweg' mich nicht vom Fleck.
Ich koste Sprit, erfüll' jedoch kein' Zweck.
Im Job bin ich die Zeit, in der nichts geht.
Wie heiß' ich wohl, wenn alles stillesteht?

Translation:
I run, but don't move from the spot.
I cost fuel, but fulfill no plot.
At work, I'm the time when nothing's done.
What am I called, when standstill has won?

Lösung / Answer: Der Leerlauf

🧩 Other Interesting Aspects

Word Composition: The word "Leerlauf" is a compound noun, composed of:

• leer: Adjective meaning "empty", "unoccupied".
• der Lauf: Noun meaning "the run", "movement", "course/process".

Together, they create the meaning of "running empty/without purpose" or an "empty course/process".

Economics: In an economic context, one often speaks of Leerlaufkosten (idle costs or standby costs). These are costs incurred even when a machine, facility, or personnel is not being used productively (e.g., rent, basic salaries, depreciation).