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
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Meanings
fortlaufend
consecutive
Following one another in an uninterrupted order, for example with numbers or pages.
EXAMPLE
Bitte nummerieren Sie die Seiten fortlaufend von 1 bis 20.
Please number the pages consecutively from 1 to 20.
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 describe an activity that continues for a longer period. Ständig can also mean very frequent repetitions with short pauses, while fortlaufend generally refers to a connected, continuous progression. Use fortlaufend when the activity is viewed as one ongoing process.
fortlaufend
Die Anzeige wird fortlaufend aktualisiert, weil die Daten direkt weitergegeben werden.
The display is updated continuously because the data is passed on directly.
ständig
Die Anzeige wird ständig aktualisiert, manchmal gibt es dabei kurze Pausen.
The display is updated constantly, with short pauses sometimes occurring in between.
In real life
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