Italian Phrase
Il contratto dura dodici mesi.
Meaning
The sentence means ‘The contract lasts twelve months.’ It states the fixed period for which a contract is valid, emphasizing the duration rather than the content of the agreement.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to tell someone how long a contract, lease, subscription, or any time‑bound agreement will be in effect. It’s common in business meetings, rental negotiations, and when discussing employment terms.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ilcontrattoduradodicimesi
Definite article (Il)
Il is the masculine singular definite article used before consonant-starting nouns.
Noun (contratto)
Contratto is a masculine singular noun meaning ‘contract’; it matches the article Il.
Verb (dura)
Dura is the third‑person singular present of durare ‘to last, to endure’.
Cardinal number (dodici)
Dodici is the cardinal number twelve; numbers above one are placed before the noun.
Plural noun after a number (mesi)
Mesi is the plural of mese ‘month’; after any number other than one the noun stays plural.
🗨In Conversation
Per quanto tempo è valido il tuo nuovo lavoro?
How long is your new job contract valid?
Il contratto dura dodici mesi.
The contract lasts twelve months.
✕Common Mistakes
Il contratto è dodici mesi.
The verb ‘essere’ (to be) cannot express duration; you need ‘dura’ (to last).
Il contratto dura dodici mese.
After numbers greater than one the noun must stay plural.
Il contratto dura mesi dodici.
Do not place the number after the noun; the correct order is number + noun.
↔Alternatives
Il contratto ha una durata di dodici mesi.
The contract has a duration of twelve months.
Il contratto è valido per dodici mesi.
The contract is valid for twelve months.
Il contratto scade dopo dodici mesi.
The contract expires after twelve months.
Cultural Tip
In Italy many employment and rental contracts are set for a fixed term, often twelve months, after which they can be renewed or renegotiated. When speaking formally, you may hear the more elaborate phrasing ‘ha una durata di…’ which sounds slightly more official. In casual conversation, simply using ‘dura’ is perfectly natural.