01
fortfahren
to continue
To continue an action or speech that has already begun after an interruption.
example
Nach einer kurzen Pause fuhr der Professor mit seinem Vortrag fort.
After a short break, the professor continued with his lecture.
fortfahren
to continue / to drive away
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Fortfahren' (to continue / to drive away) is a separable verb. The prefix 'fort-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Fahren Sie bitte mit Ihrer Erzählung fort.
Please continue with your story.
Perfect tense with 'haben' or 'sein'
The auxiliary verb in the perfect tense depends on the meaning. For 'fortsetzen' (to continue an action), you use 'haben'. For 'wegfahren' (to drive away, change of location), you use 'sein'.
EXAMPLE
Er hat mit seiner Arbeit fortgefahren.
He continued with his work.
Context clue
In the meaning 'fortsetzen' (to continue), what is being continued is often stated. This is usually done with the preposition 'mit' (+ dative) or an infinitive clause with 'zu'.
EXAMPLE
Wir fahren mit der Diskussion nach der Pause fort.
We will continue with the discussion after the break.
Context clue
When 'fortfahren' means 'wegfahren' (to drive away), it always refers to a vehicle. In this case, it is often used without an object or a prepositional complement.
EXAMPLE
Der Zug wartete auf das Signal und fuhr dann fort.
The train waited for the signal and then drove away.
Compare with
fortfahren vs ankommen
to arrive
'ankommen' and 'fortfahren' are opposites in this meaning. 'ankommen' means that someone reaches a place. 'fortfahren' means that someone drives away from a place in a vehicle. So it is about two directions: toward a place and away from a place. Important: 'fortfahren' can also mean 'to continue', but for this contrast only the meaning 'to drive away' is intended.
fortfahren
Nach einer kurzen Pause fährt der Bus wieder fort.
After a short break, the bus drives away again.
ankommen
Am Morgen kommt der Lieferwagen vor dem Haus an.
In the morning, the delivery van arrives in front of the house.
In real life
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