adjectiveadjective

zeitraubend

time-consuming

The German word "zeitraubend" is an adjective formed from the words "Zeit" (time) and "raubend", derived from the verb "rauben", meaning "to rob" or "to steal". So, "zeitraubend" literally means "time-stealing".

Meaning:
Something that is "zeitraubend" takes up a lot of time or is time-consuming.

Similar words:

  • zeitintensiv (time-intensive)
  • aufwendig (elaborate, requiring effort/time)
  • zeitfordernd (demanding time)

Differences:

  • zeitraubend emphasizes the idea of "stealing" or "consuming" time, often with a negative connotation.
  • zeitintensiv is more neutral, indicating something that simply requires a lot of time.
  • aufwendig also implies complexity or effort, beyond just time.
  • zeitfordernd highlights that something demands attention and time, often obligatorily.

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Examples

Die Arbeit ist zeitraubend.adjective

The work is time-consuming.

Hausaufgaben können manchmal sehr zeitraubend sein.adjective

Homework can sometimes be very time-consuming.

Das ständige Warten auf den Bus ist wirklich zeitraubend.adjective

The constant waiting for the bus is really time-consuming.

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