Meaning 1neutral; narrative and conversational · 82%
In the meantime, while something else is happening.
Natural examples
Mara kocht das Abendessen; unterdessen deckt ihr Bruder den Tisch.
Mara is cooking dinner; meanwhile, her brother is setting the table.
Der Mechaniker reparierte den Motor, und unterdessen warteten wir im Café.
The mechanic repaired the engine while we waited in the café.
Unterdessen hatte der Regen aufgehört und die Straße trocknete.
Meanwhile, the rain had stopped and the road was drying.
Usage note
Unterdessen links two events happening during the same period and can also mean inzwischen.
Mini-lesson: unterdessen
In the meantime, while something else is happening. Unterdessen links two events happening during the same period and can also mean inzwischen.
Check your learning
Choose one answer.Which definition matches «unterdessen»?