noun

die Laufzeit, -en

term · duration · runtime

Die Zeit, in der etwas läuft, arbeitet oder gültig ist.

Definition & meaning

The German word Laufzeit refers to the duration or period of time during which something is in effect, active, or in motion. It has several specific applications depending on the context:

Duration/Term: In finance, law, or contracts, it refers to the period for which an agreement is valid (e.g., the term of a loan or a subscription).
Computing/Runtime: In software development, it refers to the period during which a computer program is executing. "Runtime errors" are errors that occur while the program is running, rather than during the compilation phase.
Physics/Engineering: It describes the time interval it takes for a signal, particle, or object to travel from one point to another (time of flight).
General duration: It can refer to the total time a process or a production cycle takes to complete.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammar: It is a feminine noun (die Laufzeit). The plural is die Laufzeiten.
Word origin: It is a compound word consisting of:
- Lauf: Derived from the verb laufen , meaning "to run" or "to move."
- Zeit: Meaning "time."
- Essentially, it describes the "running time" of an object, process, or contract.