aging
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aging
Describes the natural process of growing older in living beings or the progressive state of wear and tear in things.
Die alternde Bevölkerung stellt das Rentensystem vor große Herausforderungen.
The aging population poses major challenges for the pension system.
'Alternd' (aging) is the present participle of the verb 'altern' (to age). It is used like an adjective and describes a person or thing that is currently in the process of growing older or wearing out.
Der alternde Schauspieler übernahm nur noch wenige Rollen.
The aging actor took on only a few roles anymore.
'Alternd' (aging) is most commonly used directly before a noun, that is, attributively. It describes a state that is ongoing and not yet complete.
Die alternde Infrastruktur der Stadt muss dringend modernisiert werden.
The city's aging infrastructure urgently needs to be modernized.
The word is found especially often in sociological and demographic contexts. Typical combinations are 'die alternde Bevölkerung' (the aging population) and 'eine alternde Gesellschaft' (an aging society).
Viele Länder diskutieren über die Folgen einer alternden Gesellschaft.
Many countries are discussing the consequences of an aging society.
old
'alt' and 'alternd' both have to do with age, but they do not describe the same thing. 'alt' describes a state: a person has reached an advanced age, or a thing is no longer new. 'alternd' describes more of a process: someone or something is growing older, changing over time, or slowly wearing out. Learners may confuse the words because both talk about age. In everyday language, 'alt' is much more common and simpler. 'alternd' sounds more precise when you want to emphasize that this process is currently happening or becoming visible.
Die Ärztin erklärt der Kundin, wie sie ihre alternde Haut gut pflegen kann.
The doctor explains to the customer how she can take good care of her aging skin.
In der Werkstatt steht ein altes Auto, das mein Freund reparieren will.
There is an old car in the workshop that my friend wants to repair.