01
fortlaufend
continuous
Continuing or taking place without interruption; continuous.
example
Die Software wird fortlaufend aktualisiert, um Sicherheitslücken zu schließen.
The software is continuously updated to close security gaps.
fortlaufend
continuous / consecutive
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Word structure
'Fortlaufend' (continuous/consecutive) is the present participle of the verb 'fortlaufen' (fort + laufen). The literal meaning 'running onward' helps you understand both meanings: a process that keeps 'running on' over time, or numbering that 'continues' in sequence.
EXAMPLE
Die Geschichte wird fortlaufend erzählt.
The story is told continuously.
Adjective and adverb
'Fortlaufend' (continuous/consecutive) can be used as an adjective before a noun or as an adverb that describes a verb. Its position in the sentence changes, but the form of the word does not.
EXAMPLE
Für die Umfrage brauchen wir eine fortlaufende Nummerierung.
For the survey, we need consecutive numbering.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning 'in einer Reihenfolge' (in a sequence) by the fact that it refers to countable things such as numbers, pages, volumes, or codes. In this case, it is always about an ordered sequence.
EXAMPLE
Die Rechnungen müssen fortlaufend archiviert werden.
The invoices must be archived consecutively.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'kontinuierlich' (continuously), 'fortlaufend' is often used with verbs that describe a process. Typical combinations are 'fortlaufend verbessern' (to continuously improve), 'fortlaufend überwachen' (to continuously monitor), or 'fortlaufend anpassen' (to continuously adapt).
EXAMPLE
Die Qualität unserer Produkte wird fortlaufend kontrolliert.
The quality of our products is continuously checked.
Compare with
fortlaufend vs ständig
constant
'ständig' and 'fortlaufend' can both mean that something happens without interruption or again and again. 'ständig' sounds very natural in everyday language and is often used for frequent actions, problems, or habits. It can also sound somewhat annoyed. 'fortlaufend' is more suitable for a process that continues in an organized way, for example with reports, courses, or payments. In addition, 'fortlaufend' can refer to a sequence, such as 'fortlaufende Nummern' (consecutive numbers). The words can be confused when talking about duration. As a simple guide: for everyday situations and frequency, you often use 'ständig'; for an ongoing process or a series, 'fortlaufend' is more likely.
fortlaufend
Im Verein werden die Ausgaben fortlaufend in einer Liste notiert.
At the club, the expenses are continuously recorded in a list.
ständig
Meine Schwester hat beim Einkaufen ständig ihr Handy gesucht.
My sister kept looking for her phone while shopping.
In real life
Loading video examples...