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minuten — meaning in English: minutes

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neutral very common
Usage
Native German speakers commonly use 'Minuten' when discussing time or scheduling. For instance, you might hear it in conversations about how many minutes until an event starts or when discussing the duration of an activity, such as 'Es dauert fünf Minuten, um dorthin zu gelangen' (It takes five minutes to get there).
Synonyms & nuances
'Minuten' is often used in everyday conversation, while 'Zeit' (time) is a broader term that encompasses all aspects of time, not just minutes. Use 'Minuten' when you want to convey specific intervals of time, particularly in scheduling or countdown situations.
Culture
'Minuten' has its roots in the Latin word 'minuta', which means 'small' or 'minute'. In everyday life, Germans often use this term not just for precise timekeeping but also informally to express impatience or urgency, as in 'Ich bin gleich fertig, nur noch ein paar Minuten' (I’ll be done in just a few minutes).
FAQ
Q.How do you pronounce 'Minuten'?
'Minuten' is pronounced as [miˈnuːtən]. The emphasis is on the second syllable, and the 'u' is pronounced like the 'oo' in 'food'. Practicing the pronunciation can help you sound more natural when using the word.
Q.How do I use 'Minuten' in a sentence?
'Minuten' is used to refer to minutes as a unit of time. For example, you could say 'Ich habe noch zehn Minuten' (I still have ten minutes). Remember that you can also combine it with numbers for clarity about time duration.
Q.Is 'Minuten' used in formal writing?
'Minuten' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In formal writing, it might appear in schedules or official documents, while in casual conversation, it's common in everyday discussions about time.
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