während

During / while:

• Während ich kochte, hörte sie Musik.

solange

As long as a condition holds:

• Solange es regnet, bleiben wir drinnen.

Verb position

Subclause verb at the end.

Practice

Contrast one situation with während (parallel actions) and solange (condition window).

Practical Examples

1. Ich bleibe hier, solange du mich brauchst.

• English: I'll stay here as long as you need me.
• Note: "Solange" indicates a duration that is dependent on a condition.

1. Solange es regnet, können wir nicht draußen spielen.

• English: As long as it's raining, we can't play outside.
• Note: "Solange" expresses a condition that restricts another action.

1. Bleibst du bei mir, solange ich krank bin?

• English: Will you stay with me as long as I'm sick?
• Note: "Solange" is used in a question to ask about a conditional duration.

1. Ich kann nicht schlafen, solange der Fernseher an ist.

• English: I can't sleep as long as the TV is on.
• Note: "Solange" describes a continuous state that prevents another action.

1. Solange du jung bist, solltest du reisen.

• English: As long as you are young, you should travel.
• Note: "Solange" sets a general time-bound condition for advice.

1. Wir warten hier, solange der Bus nicht kommt.

• English: We'll wait here as long as the bus doesn't come.
• Note: "Solange" defines the duration until a specific event occurs.

1. Ich lese ein Buch, während du kochst.

• English: I'm reading a book while you cook.
• Note: "Während" connects two actions happening at the same time.

1. Hörst du Musik, während du lernst?

• English: Do you listen to music while you study?
• Note: "Während" is used in a question about simultaneous activities.

1. Ich kann nicht telefonieren, während ich Auto fahre.

• English: I can't make a call while I'm driving.
• Note: "Während" shows two actions that cannot happen simultaneously for the speaker.

1. Während sie schlief, schlich der Dieb ins Haus.

• English: While she slept, the thief snuck into the house.
• Note: "Während" indicates one action happening during the timeframe of another.

1. Er arbeitet im Garten, während seine Frau einkauft.

• English: He works in the garden while his wife shops.
• Note: "Während" emphasizes two different people performing simultaneous actions.

1. Wir haben viel gelacht, während wir zusammen gekocht haben.

• English: We laughed a lot while we cooked together.
• Note: "Während" describes a feeling or action that occurred throughout another activity.

1. Während der Film lief, aßen wir Popcorn.

• English: While the movie was running, we ate popcorn.
• Note: "Während" connects a continuous event (movie) with an action happening within its duration.

1. Du kannst deine Hausaufgaben machen, solange ich das Abendessen vorbereite.

• English: You can do your homework as long as I prepare dinner.
• Note: "Solange" sets a duration or time limit for an action, dependent on another ongoing activity.

1. Wir bleiben Freunde, solange wir uns vertrauen.

• English: We'll remain friends as long as we trust each other.
• Note: "Solange" expresses a condition for a continuous future state.