fleeing
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fleeing
Describes a person or animal that is currently fleeing or trying to escape from a place or a danger.
Die Polizei verfolgte den flüchtenden Dieb durch die engen Gassen.
The police chased the fleeing thief through the narrow alleys.
The word 'flüchtend' (fleeing) is the present participle of the verb 'flüchten' (to flee). It describes a person or animal that is currently performing the action of fleeing and is used like an adjective.
Ein flüchtendes Reh sprang plötzlich auf die Straße.
A fleeing deer suddenly jumped into the road.
'Flüchtend' (fleeing) is almost always used directly before a noun (attributively). Use after the noun with 'sein' (to be) (predicatively) is very rare and often sounds unnatural.
Die Zeugin beschrieb den flüchtenden Mann sehr genau.
The witness described the fleeing man very precisely.
This adjective is frequently used in reports about crimes or in nature observation. Typical nouns are 'der flüchtende Täter' (the fleeing perpetrator), 'der flüchtende Verdächtige' (the fleeing suspect), or 'das flüchtende Tier' (the fleeing animal).
Der Kameramann filmte die flüchtende Gazelle in der Savanne.
The camera operator filmed the fleeing gazelle in the savanna.
fugitive / fleeting / cursory
Both words can refer to a person who is on the run. „Flüchtend“ describes the process of someone currently fleeing or trying to escape, while „flüchtig“ more often describes the status of a wanted or escaped person. „Flüchtend“ therefore fits ongoing movement, while „flüchtig“ fits a person being sought.
Der Mann lief flüchtend durch den Park, während die Polizei ihm folgte.
The man ran through the park as he fled, while the police followed him.
Die Polizei suchte den flüchtigen Mann noch am selben Abend.
The police were still searching for the fugitive that same evening.
