die  Ewigkeit

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈeːvɪçkaɪ̯t/

⏳ What does "die Ewigkeit" mean?

Die Ewigkeit (feminine) describes the concept of temporal infinity or endlessness. It can have various nuances:

• Temporal Infinity: The primary meaning refers to a time without beginning and without end, often in a religious or philosophical context (e.g., ewiges Leben - eternal life, the eternity of God).
• Very Long Period (Hyperbolic): Figuratively, "eine Ewigkeit" (an eternity) is often used to express a subjectively perceived very long period, even if it is actually finite. Example: "Ich warte schon eine Ewigkeit auf den Bus!" (I've been waiting an eternity for the bus!)

It's an abstract noun and takes the article die.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📐 Grammar in Detail: Die Ewigkeit

The word "Ewigkeit" is a feminine noun. It is mainly used in the singular. The plural ("die Ewigkeiten") is very rare and mostly used poetically or philosophically.

Declension of die Ewigkeit (Singular)

💡 Example Sentences

1. Manche Religionen versprechen das ewige Leben in der Ewigkeit.
   (Some religions promise eternal life in eternity.)
2. Die Frage nach dem Anfang und Ende des Universums berührt die Ewigkeit.
   (The question of the beginning and end of the universe touches upon eternity.)
3. Die Geduld der Ewigkeit ist sprichwörtlich.
   (The patience of eternity is proverbial.)
4. Es fühlte sich an wie eine Ewigkeit, bis die Prüfungsergebnisse kamen.
   (It felt like an eternity until the exam results arrived.)

🗣️ How to use "Ewigkeit"?

"Die Ewigkeit" is used in various contexts:

• Religious/Spiritual: In connection with God, soul, afterlife. (e.g., "in alle Ewigkeit" - forever and ever, "zur ewigen Ruhe gebettet" - laid to eternal rest)
• Philosophical: In discussions about time, being, infinity. (e.g., "das Konzept der Ewigkeit" - the concept of eternity)
• Colloquial (Hyperbolic): To express long waiting times or durations. (e.g., "Das dauert ja eine Ewigkeit!" - That's taking an eternity!, "Wir haben uns seit einer Ewigkeit nicht gesehen." - We haven't seen each other in ages/an eternity.)

Distinction from "Unendlichkeit": While "Ewigkeit" primarily refers to time, "Unendlichkeit" (die Unendlichkeit - infinity) can also describe spatial or mathematical limitlessness. In the context of time, they are often synonymous.

⚠️ Be careful not to use the hyperbolic meaning in formal philosophical or religious texts where the literal meaning is intended.

🧠 Mnemonics for "Ewigkeit"

• Article Mnemonic: Think of time-related concepts often being feminine in German: die Zeit (the time), die Unendlichkeit (the infinity), die Dauer (the duration) – just like die Ewigkeit. Also, the suffix "-keit" almost always forms feminine nouns (die Möglichkeit, die Sauberkeit, die Ewigkeit).
• Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine waiting for something for an "ewig" (eternal) long time. This wait seems to go on for an Ewig-keit! The German word for 'eternal' (ewig) is right inside.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der kleine Timmy seine Oma: "Oma, was ist eigentlich eine Ewigkeit?"
Sagt die Oma: "Mein Kind, eine Ewigkeit ist ungefähr die Zeit, die vergeht, nachdem Papa gesagt hat 'Ich bin gleich fertig!'"

Translation:
Little Timmy asks his grandma: "Grandma, what exactly is an eternity?"
Grandma says: "My child, an eternity is roughly the time that passes after Dad says 'I'll be ready in a second!'"

📜 Poem about Eternity

Die Zeit verrinnt, ein Sandkorn nur,
Im Ozean der Ewigkeit.
Kein Anfang lockt, keine Endzensur,
Ein endlos Band, für uns bereit?

Manch' einer hofft auf Ruh und Glück,
Jenseits der flüchtigen Stund'.
Ein anderer scheut den ernsten Blick,
In diesen grundlosen Grund.

Translation (poetic):
Time flows away, a grain of sand,
In ocean vast, eternity.
No start invites, no final strand,
An endless ribbon, there for thee?

Some hope for peace and fortune bright,
Beyond the fleeting hour's hold.
Another fears the solemn sight,
Into this abyss, deep and cold.

❓ Riddle

Ich habe keinen Anfang und kein Ende.
Mancher hofft, mich nach dem Leben zu finden,
Mancher sagt, ich dauere, wenn man auf den Bus wartet.
Ich bin weiblich und beschreibe das, was immer währt.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I have no beginning and no end.
Some hope to find me after life,
Some say I last while waiting for the bus.
I am feminine and describe that which lasts forever.

What am I?

Solution: die Ewigkeit

🧩 Other Interesting Facts

Word Formation: The word "Ewigkeit" is composed of the adjective ewig (from Old High German "ēwīg" = always lasting, lawful) and the suffix -keit, which forms abstract nouns.

Cultural Significance: The concept of Ewigkeit plays a central role in many religions (Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, etc.) and philosophies (e.g., Plato, Kant). It is often linked to ideas of divinity, permanence, and the afterlife.