progress / departure
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progress
The further development or course of a process, action, or event.
Der Fortgang der Bauarbeiten verzögert sich wegen des schlechten Wetters.
The progress of the construction work is being delayed because of the bad weather.
departure
The act of leaving a place; going away from a place.
Nach seinem plötzlichen Fortgang herrschte betretenes Schweigen im Raum.
After his sudden departure, an embarrassed silence filled the room.
The word is made up of 'fort' (forward, away) and 'Gang' (course, walking/going). This structure explains both meanings: the course of a process (moving forward) and leaving a place (going away).
Wir müssen den Fortgang des Projekts genau überwachen.
We need to monitor the progress of the project closely.
In the meaning 'Verlauf' (course/progress), 'Fortgang' is often used with a genitive or 'von' + dative to specify what is progressing. Typical phrases are 'der Fortgang der Ereignisse' (the course of events), 'den Fortgang der Verhandlungen beobachten' (to observe the progress of the negotiations), or 'über den Fortgang berichten' (to report on the progress).
Die Ministerin informierte sich über den Fortgang der Gespräche.
The minister got an update on the progress of the talks.
The meaning 'das Weggehen' (leaving/going away) is rare today and is mainly used in formal or literary language. In everyday speech, other expressions would usually be used.
Der Roman beschreibt den Fortgang des Helden aus seiner Heimatstadt.
The novel describes the hero's departure from his hometown.
You can recognize the meaning from the context: If it is about an abstract process (work, healing, negotiation), 'Verlauf' (course/progress) is meant. If it is about a person leaving a place, 'Weggehen' (leaving/going away) is meant.
Der Fortgang der Bauarbeiten ist beeindruckend.
The progress of the construction work is impressive.
course / gradient
Verlauf neutrally describes how a process or negotiation develops over time. Fortgang places greater emphasis on the process continuing or moving forward, so it is particularly suitable when evaluating progress. For an objective description, „Verlauf“ is usually used; for the state of how things are moving forward, „Fortgang“ is more appropriate.
Der Fortgang der Verhandlungen hängt jetzt von der Antwort des Bürgermeisters ab.
The progress of the negotiations now depends on the mayor's response.
Der Verlauf der Verhandlungen war bisher ruhig und sachlich.
The negotiations have been calm and factual so far.
