"Immer wieder" is a versatile expression that translates to "again and again" or "repeatedly" in English. It indicates actions or events that occur repeatedly or habitually over time.
When someone wants to emphasize that an event or action happens on a regular basis, they might use "immer wieder." For instance, if a person frequently misses their train, you might hear, "Er verpasst immer wieder seinen Zug," meaning "He misses his train again and again." This usage underscores the repetitive nature of the action.
"Immer wieder" can also express persistent feelings or thoughts. For example, "Sie denkt immer wieder an ihre Kindheit," translates to "She keeps thinking about her childhood." Here, it highlights the recurring nature of her thoughts, indicating that these memories frequently come to mind.
In storytelling or narratives, "immer wieder" adds a sense of ongoing struggle or effort. A sentence like "Er versuchte immer wieder, das Rätsel zu lösen," meaning "He kept trying to solve the puzzle," conveys the continuous effort and determination of the subject. It suggests that despite multiple attempts, the action is ongoing.
In everyday conversation, "immer wieder" might be used to describe habitual actions or situations that people find themselves in repeatedly. For instance, "Ich habe das immer wieder gesagt," meaning "I have said that repeatedly," indicates that the speaker has made the same statement multiple times, perhaps out of frustration or emphasis.
There are other ways to express similar ideas in German. One such expression is "ständig," which means "constantly" or "continually." You might use it to describe something that happens without interruption, as in "Er ist ständig müde," meaning "He is constantly tired." This word emphasizes an unbroken continuity rather than the repetitive nature suggested by "immer wieder."
Another similar phrase is "wiederholt," which translates to "repeatedly." It is often used in more formal contexts or writing. For example, "Der Fehler trat wiederholt auf," meaning "The error occurred repeatedly." This word highlights the recurrence of the action but is less conversational than "immer wieder."
"Immer wieder" is particularly useful in informal speech to stress the persistence or regularity of actions and thoughts, making it an essential part of everyday German language.