fortführen
to continue
To carry on or continue an activity, conversation, or process that has already begun.
EXAMPLE
Wir werden die Diskussion in der nächsten Sitzung fortführen.
We will continue the discussion in the next meeting.
fortführen
to continue / lead away
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Meanings
fortführen
to lead away
To lead someone or something away from a place. This meaning is rather formal or literary.
EXAMPLE
Der Polizist führte den Verdächtigen in Handschellen fort.
The police officer led the suspect away in handcuffs.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Fortführen' (to continue / lead 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
Der neue Chef führt die Projekte seines Vorgängers fort.
The new boss continues his predecessor's projects.
Word structure
The verb consists of the prefix 'fort-' (away, onward) and 'führen' (to lead). Depending on the context, it therefore means to 'lead something onward' (continue) or to 'lead someone away' (take away).
EXAMPLE
Lassen Sie uns das Gespräch nach der Pause fortführen.
Let us continue the conversation after the break.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'fortsetzen' (to continue), the verb is often used with abstract nouns. Typical combinations are 'eine Arbeit fortführen' (to continue a piece of work), 'eine Tradition fortführen' (to continue a tradition), or 'ein Projekt fortführen' (to continue a project).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Tod des Gründers führten seine Kinder die Firma fort.
After the founder's death, his children continued the company.
Context clue
You can recognize this meaning by the fact that a person or a movable object is the object. The context is often formal and describes an action by figures of authority such as the police.
EXAMPLE
Die Wachen führten den Gefangenen aus seiner Zelle fort.
The guards led the prisoner away from his cell.
Compare with
fortführen vs fortsetzen
to continue
fortsetzen and fortführen can both mean that an activity that has already begun continues. fortsetzen particularly suggests resuming something after an interruption; fortführen emphasizes more that the activity is carried on. The difference is a nuance, not a fixed distinction.
fortführen
Auch während der schwierigen Phase führt die Gruppe ihre Arbeit fort.
The group continued its work even during the difficult phase.
fortsetzen
Nach einer kurzen Pause setzt die Gruppe ihre Arbeit fort.
After a short break, the group continued its work.
In real life
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