die  Ausdauer

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʔaʊsˌdaʊ̯ɐ/

💪 What does "die Ausdauer" mean?

Die Ausdauer describes the ability to sustain effort or strain over a longer period without tiring prematurely. It refers to physical or mental *endurance*, *stamina*, *persistence*, or *perseverance*.

The word is almost exclusively used with the article "die" and is feminine. It relates to:

• Physical endurance: The body's ability to perform over time (e.g., in running, swimming). A common synonym here is Kondition (fitness, condition).
• Mental or psychological endurance: The ability to concentrate for long periods, not give up on difficult tasks, or withstand psychological stress. Synonyms often include Beharrlichkeit (persistence) or Geduld (patience), although *Geduld* often implies passively waiting.

🚨 There are no different meanings based on the article, as only "die" is used.

The Grammar of Ausdauer 🧐

"Ausdauer" is a feminine noun. The article is always die. It is mostly used in the singular. A plural form ("die Ausdauern") is very uncommon and usually avoided.

Declension (Singular)

Example Sentences

1. Der Marathonläufer bewies unglaubliche Ausdauer.
   (The marathon runner showed incredible endurance.)
2. Für dieses Projekt braucht man viel Ausdauer und Geduld.
   (For this project, one needs a lot of perseverance and patience.)
3. Ihre Ausdauer beim Lernen zahlte sich aus.
   (Her persistence in learning paid off.)
4. Ohne Ausdauer wirst du dieses Ziel nicht erreichen.
   (Without stamina, you will not reach this goal.)

Usage in Daily Life 🏃‍♀️🧠

"Ausdauer" is frequently used in the following contexts:

• Sports and Fitness: Refers to physical performance capacity over time. Example: "Wir trainieren heute die Ausdauer." (Today we train endurance.)
• Work and Learning: Describes the ability to work on tasks with concentration and persistence. Example: "Seine Ausdauer bei der Recherche war beeindruckend." (His perseverance during the research was impressive.)
• Difficult Life Situations: Means the strength to endure hard times. Example: "Sie meisterte die Krankheit mit großer Ausdauer." (She overcame the illness with great fortitude/endurance.)

Distinction from similar words:

• Geduld (Patience): While *Ausdauer* implies active endurance during effort, *Geduld* typically describes calmly tolerating waiting times or difficult circumstances. You can have *Ausdauer* while waiting, but the focus is on enduring, not passive waiting.
• Kondition (Condition/Fitness): Often synonymous with physical *Ausdauer*, but sometimes more specific to cardiovascular performance.
• Beharrlichkeit (Persistence): Very similar to mental *Ausdauer*, emphasizing sticking to a goal despite obstacles.

How to Remember "die Ausdauer" 💡

Article Mnemonic:

Think of a woman (feminine -> die) who needs great endurance for a marathon. *She* needs endurance = DIE braucht Ausdauer.

Meaning Mnemonic:

Think of "aus" (out/through) and "dauern" (to last, endure). Someone who can last *through* something for a long *duration* (*dauern*) has *Ausdauer* (endurance).

Word Family: Synonyms & Antonyms 🔄

⚠️ Note: Geduld (patience) is not a direct synonym but describes a related quality (calm waiting).

A Little Joke 😄

Fragt der Trainer den Boxer: "Hast du genug Ausdauer für 12 Runden?"
(The coach asks the boxer: "Do you have enough stamina for 12 rounds?")

Antwortet der Boxer: "Klar, Trainer! Das Problem sind eher die Schläge vom Gegner..."
(The boxer replies: "Sure, coach! The problem is more the opponent's punches...")

Poem about Ausdauer 📜

Der Weg ist lang, das Ziel ist fern,
(The way is long, the goal is far,)
man zweifelt oft, nicht nur intern.
(one often doubts, not just within.)
Doch wer nicht rastet, Schritt für Schritt,
(But who rests not, step by step,)
beweist die Ausdauer, hält den Tritt.
(proves endurance, keeps the pace.)
Ob Sport, ob Geist, ob Lebenslauf,
(Be it sport, mind, or course of life,)
sie trägt dich stets bergauf, bergauf.
(it always carries you uphill, uphill.)

Who or What Am I? 🤔

Ich bin nicht schnell, doch komme weit.
(I am not fast, yet I go far.)
Ich helfe dir in schwerer Zeit.
(I help you in difficult times.)
Beim Sportler bin ich gern gesehen,
(Athletes like to see me,)
hilf, bis zum Ende durchzustehen.
(help to endure until the end.)
Ich wohne in Muskeln und im Geist,
(I live in muscles and in mind,)
obwohl man mich nicht immer preist.
(although I'm not always praised.)

Was bin ich? / What am I?

Lösung / Solution: die Ausdauer (endurance)

Interesting Facts 🤓

Word Composition (Wortzusammensetzung):

The word "Ausdauer" is composed of:

• aus-: A prefix that can indicate completion or extension (enduring something fully to the end).
• dauern: The verb meaning "to last", "to continue", "to take a certain amount of time".

Together, the meaning emerges: the ability to last through something long or strenuous until the end.

Cultural Significance (Kulturelle Bedeutung): In German culture, *Ausdauer* and *Beharrlichkeit* (persistence) are often considered important virtues, both in professional and personal life.