German Phrase
Die Lieferzeit hängt von der Entfernung ab.
Meaning
The delivery time depends on the distance. It is used to explain why shipping may be faster or slower depending on how far the destination is from the warehouse.
When to use
Use this sentence when discussing shipping, logistics, or any service where the time needed varies with geographic distance – for example in online shop FAQs, customer service calls, or planning deliveries.
✦Grammar Breakdown
DieLieferzeithängtvonderEntfernungab
Artikel und Genus
„Die“ is the definite article for feminine nouns in nominative case; „Lieferzeit“ and „Entfernung“ are both feminine.
Trennbares Verb: abhängen
The verb „abhängen“ splits in main clause: the stem „hängt“ stays in second position, the prefix „ab“ moves to the end.
Präposition „von“ + Dativ
„von“ always governs the dative case, therefore „der Entfernung" (dative feminine) follows it.
Wortstellung im Satz
In a declarative main clause the finite verb occupies position 2, so „hängt“ follows the subject „Die Lieferzeit".
🗨In Conversation
Wie lange dauert die Lieferung zu meiner Adresse?
How long does delivery to my address take?
Die Lieferzeit hängt von der Entfernung ab.
The delivery time depends on the distance.
✕Common Mistakes
Die Lieferzeit ist von der Entfernung.
Using "ist" changes the meaning to a static fact; the correct verb for dependence is "hängt … ab".
Die Lieferzeit hängt von die Entfernung ab.
After the preposition "von" the noun must be in dative, not accusative; the article should be "der" not "die".
Die Lieferzeit ab hängt von der Entfernung.
The separable prefix must stay at the end of the clause; placing it before the verb breaks the verb structure.
↔Alternatives
Die Lieferdauer richtet sich nach der Entfernung.
The delivery duration is determined by the distance.
Wie schnell die Ware ankommt, hängt von der Distanz ab.
How quickly the goods arrive depends on the distance.
Die Anlieferzeit variiert je nach Wegstrecke.
The arrival time varies according to the route length.
Cultural Tip
In German business communication it is common to give precise delivery estimates and to explicitly mention factors such as distance, traffic or customs. "Lieferzeit" usually refers to the whole period from order to arrival, while "Lieferdauer" can be used more technically for the actual transport time. Using the separable verb "abhängen" sounds natural and professional.