constantly
She is constantly checking her phone.
Sie checkt ständig ihr Handy.
ständig, ununterbrochen
The baby constantly cries at night.
Das Baby weint nachts ständig.
He constantly interrupts others during meetings.
Er unterbricht andere ständig in Besprechungen.
Emphasizes frequent repetition or continuity without interruption. Often used for habits or behaviors that are hard to stop.
Kollokationen
Profi-Tipp
Difference between 'constantly' and 'continuously'
'Constantly' implies frequent repetition of an action (often with a negative or habitual tone), while 'continuously' suggests unbroken, uninterrupted action over time. Example: 'He constantly checks his phone' (habit) vs. 'The machine runs continuously' (no breaks).
Goldene Regel
Avoid overusing 'constantly'
In formal writing, prefer 'continuously', 'persistently', or 'repeatedly' to avoid sounding overly dramatic or colloquial.
Wortursprung
From Latin *constans* (standing firm, constant), present participle of *constare* (to stand firm, from *con-* 'together' + *stare* 'to stand'). Entered English in the 14th century via Old French *constant*.
Verwendungshinweise
Used for actions that happen repeatedly or continuously over time. More emphatic than 'often' or 'regularly'. In German, 'ständig' is the closest equivalent but can sometimes sound slightly colloquial; 'fortwährend' or 'dauernd' are more formal alternatives.