During the same period while another activity or event happens.
Natural examples
Die Köchin bereitet die Soße zu; derweil deckt ihr Bruder den Tisch.
The cook prepares the sauce; meanwhile, her brother sets the table.
Der Zug wird geprüft; derweil warten die Fahrgäste am Bahnsteig.
The train is being inspected; meanwhile, passengers wait on the platform.
Sie führt das Interview; derweil notiert ihr Kollege die Antworten.
She conducts the interview while her colleague takes notes.
Usage note
Derweil links events happening at the same time and sounds somewhat more formal than inzwischen. It can start a sentence or follow the verb.
Mini-lesson: derweil
During the same period while another activity or event happens. Derweil links events happening at the same time and sounds somewhat more formal than inzwischen. It can start a sentence or follow the verb.
Check your learning
Choose one answer.Which definition matches «derweil»?