01
fahrend
moving
Describes a vehicle or object that is currently in motion.
example
Das Aufspringen auf einen fahrenden Zug ist extrem gefährlich.
Jumping onto a moving train is extremely dangerous.
fahrend
moving / traveling
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
'Fahrend' (moving/traveling) is the present participle of the verb 'fahren' (to drive/travel). Such participles describe an action currently taking place and are often used as adjectives.
EXAMPLE
Ein schlafendes Kind soll man nicht wecken.
You should not wake a sleeping child.
Sentence structure and usage
This word is used almost exclusively as an adjective before a noun, e.g. 'der fahrende Bus' (the moving bus). Using it as a standalone predicate adjective, e.g. 'Der Bus ist fahrend.' (The bus is moving.), is very uncommon and sounds unnatural.
EXAMPLE
Er winkte dem fahrenden Auto hinterher.
He waved after the moving car.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the noun: if 'fahrend' (moving/traveling) refers to a vehicle or object, it means 'in motion'. If it refers to people or groups, it means 'without a fixed residence' or 'traveling from place to place'.
EXAMPLE
Ein fahrender Händler verkaufte Schmuck auf dem Markt.
A traveling merchant sold jewelry at the market.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'traveling from place to place', 'fahrend' (traveling) is often used in fixed combinations, e.g. 'fahrende Händler' (traveling merchants), 'fahrendes Volk' (itinerant people), or historically 'fahrende Ritter' (wandering knights).
EXAMPLE
Früher zogen fahrende Gesellen von Stadt zu Stadt, um ihr Handwerk zu lernen.
In the past, traveling journeymen went from town to town to learn their trade.
Compare with
fahrend vs stehend
standing
'stehend' and 'fahrend' form a clear contrast when it comes to vehicles or traffic. Here, 'stehend' means that something is not moving. 'fahrend' means that a vehicle or object is currently in motion. The difference is especially important with cars, trains, or buses. A 'stehender Zug' (stationary train) is stopped at the station, while a 'fahrender Zug' (moving train) is moving along the track.
fahrend
Aus einem fahrenden Zug darf man nicht aussteigen.
You must not get off a moving train.
stehend
Der stehende Bus blockierte kurz die Einfahrt.
The stationary bus briefly blocked the entrance.
In real life
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