Zeitvertreib

pastime, way of passing the time

noun TSAIT-fer-traip Rare

Usage Note

Zeitvertreib describes an activity done to make time pass more pleasantly rather than out of necessity or deep passion. Zum Zeitvertreib ('to pass the time') is a very common phrase in casual speech.

Examples

"Er liest Kriminalromane zum Zeitvertreib."

Natural Translation

He reads crime novels to pass the time.

Literal Translation

He reads crime-novels for the time-passing.

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