fugitive / fleeting / cursory
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fugitive
On the run; having escaped after a crime or from custody and not yet been caught.
Der Bankräuber ist weiterhin flüchtig und wird von der Polizei gesucht.
The bank robber is still a fugitive and is being sought by the police.
The adjective 'flüchtig' is closely related to the noun 'die Flucht' (flight/escape). This connection helps you understand the meanings that have to do with escaping, speed, and lack of duration.
Nach dem Einbruch ergriffen die Diebe die Flucht.
After the break-in, the thieves took flight.
In the meaning 'auf der Flucht' (on the run), 'flüchtig' is used almost exclusively in the context of crime and law enforcement. Watch for words like 'Täter' (perpetrator), 'Polizei' (police), 'gesucht' (wanted), or 'Gefängnis' (prison).
Der Verdächtige ist seit gestern Abend flüchtig.
The suspect has been a fugitive since yesterday evening.
When 'flüchtig' means 'kurz andauernd' (brief/short-lived), it is often combined with perceptions or brief social interactions. Typical examples are 'ein flüchtiger Blick' (a fleeting glance), 'eine flüchtige Begegnung' (a fleeting encounter), or 'ein flüchtiger Kuss' (a fleeting kiss).
Es war nur eine flüchtige Begegnung am Bahnhof, aber ich habe sie sofort erkannt.
It was only a fleeting encounter at the train station, but I recognized her immediately.
In the meaning 'oberflächlich' (superficial), 'flüchtig' describes actions that are carried out without care. A very common phrase is 'jemanden nur flüchtig kennen' (to know someone only casually), which means that you do not have a close relationship with the person.
Ich kenne ihn nur flüchtig von einer Konferenz.
I know him only casually from a conference.
The meaning 'leicht verdampfend' (evaporating easily) belongs to the technical language of chemistry and physics. In everyday language, 'flüchtig' is almost never used in this sense.
Alkohol ist eine flüchtige Substanz, die an der Luft schnell verdunstet.
Alcohol is a volatile substance that evaporates quickly in the air.
short / brief
'kurz' and 'flüchtig' can both describe something that does not last long. 'kurz' is neutral: a conversation, a visit, or a break simply lasts only a short time. 'flüchtig' often sounds as if something passes quickly or is not done very carefully. With a glance, a check, or an encounter, 'flüchtig' fits well when there is little attention or depth involved. 'kurz' only says something about duration; 'flüchtig' often also says something about the manner.
Die Mitarbeiterin hat den Vertrag nur flüchtig gelesen und einen Fehler übersehen.
The employee only read the contract cursorily and missed a mistake.
Nach der Arbeit mache ich nur eine kurze Pause und gehe dann einkaufen.
After work, I take only a short break and then go shopping.