01
brennend
burning
Being in the state of combustion; standing in flames.
example
Die Feuerwehr konnte das brennende Auto schnell löschen.
The fire department was able to quickly put out the burning car.
brennend
burning
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
'Brennend' (burning) is the present participle of the verb 'brennen' (to burn). All meanings, including the figurative ones, derive from the idea of burning, heat, or intensity.
EXAMPLE
Eine brennende Kerze stand auf dem Tisch.
A burning candle stood on the table.
Context clue
You can recognize the literal meaning 'in Flammen stehend' (standing in flames) by the fact that the adjective describes a noun that can physically burn, such as a house, wood, or paper.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder saßen um das brennende Lagerfeuer.
The children sat around the burning campfire.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'dringend' (urgent) or 'wichtig' (important), 'brennend' (burning) often appears with abstract nouns such as 'Frage' (question), 'Thema' (topic), 'Problem' (problem), or 'Interesse' (interest).
EXAMPLE
Das ist zurzeit ein brennendes Thema in der Politik.
That is currently a burning issue in politics.
Adverbial use
'Brennend' (burning) is especially often used as an adverb with the verb 'interessieren' (to interest). The expression 'Das interessiert mich brennend' means 'That interests me very much'.
EXAMPLE
Mich würde brennend interessieren, was er dazu gesagt hat.
I would be very interested to know what he said about it.
Intense feelings
To express strong, passionate feelings, 'brennend' (burning) is combined with nouns such as 'Wunsch' (desire), 'Sehnsucht' (longing), or 'Liebe' (love).
EXAMPLE
Er verspürte eine brennende Sehnsucht nach seiner Heimat.
He felt a burning longing for his homeland.
Compare with
brennend vs wichtig
important
'wichtig' and 'brennend' can both express that something has great significance. 'wichtig' is neutral and fits in almost all situations. 'brennend' is stronger and more figurative. It fits especially when a question, problem, or topic is very urgent or strongly occupies many people. So you would more likely say 'eine wichtige Information' (an important piece of information), but 'eine brennende Frage' (a burning question) when you urgently need an answer.
brennend
Nach dem Gespräch hatte Anna noch eine brennende Frage.
After the conversation, Anna still had a burning question.
wichtig
Bei schlechtem Wetter ist es wichtig, genug Zeit für den Weg einzuplanen.
In bad weather, it is important to allow enough time for the journey.
In real life
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