bewegend
moving
Causing strong feelings such as being touched, sadness, or joy; emotionally affecting.
EXAMPLE
Die Abschiedsrede des Direktors war für alle sehr bewegend.
The director's farewell speech was very moving for everyone.
bewegend
moving
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Meanings
bewegend
moving
Being in motion; not static. Used less often as an adjective, frequently in fixed expressions.
EXAMPLE
Das Schießen auf ein bewegendes Ziel ist deutlich schwieriger.
Shooting at a moving target is significantly more difficult.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Bewegend' (moving) is the present participle of the verb 'bewegen' (to move). It describes something that causes movement—either emotional movement inside or physical movement in the real world.
EXAMPLE
Seine Dankesrede war ein sehr bewegender Moment für die ganze Familie.
His thank-you speech was a very moving moment for the whole family.
Context clue
The emotional meaning is the most common. You can recognize it by the fact that 'bewegend' (moving) describes abstract things such as a film, a story, or a moment. The literal meaning refers to concrete, physical objects.
EXAMPLE
Das Ende des Buches war wirklich bewegend.
The ending of the book was truly moving.
Typical collocations
In its emotional meaning, 'bewegend' (moving) is often combined with nouns such as 'Film' (film), 'Geschichte' (story), 'Rede' (speech), 'Moment' (moment), or 'Erlebnis' (experience).
EXAMPLE
Es war ein bewegendes Erlebnis, meine Großeltern nach so langer Zeit wiederzusehen.
It was a moving experience to see my grandparents again after such a long time.
Compare with
bewegend vs ergreifend
moving / touching
Bewegend and ergreifend describe something that evokes strong emotions. Bewegend is the more general choice. Ergreifend usually emphasizes an especially deep and intense effect, such as when something evokes great compassion or deep grief.
bewegend
Die Abschiedsrede der Direktorin war bewegend und machte viele Gäste nachdenklich.
The principal’s farewell speech was moving and made many of the guests reflect.
ergreifend
Die Abschiedsrede der Direktorin war ergreifend, als sie unter Tränen von ihrer verstorbenen Freundin sprach.
The principal’s farewell speech was deeply moving as she spoke about her deceased friend through tears.
In real life
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