desperately
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desperately
Expresses that someone does or looks for something desperately and urgently, often as a sign of great need or worry. The gesture of wringing one's hands is in the background here.
Die Firma sucht händeringend nach qualifizierten Fachkräften.
The company is desperately looking for qualified specialists.
The word is derived directly from the gesture 'die Hände ringen' (to wring one's hands). This gesture is an expression of despair or great worry, which explains the meaning of the word.
Die Eltern warteten händeringend auf eine Nachricht von ihrem Sohn.
The parents waited desperately for news from their son.
'Händeringend' (desperately) is used almost exclusively as an adverb that modifies a verb. It describes the desperate manner in which an action is carried out. Use as an adjective before a noun is very rare.
Wir brauchen händeringend eine Lösung für dieses Problem.
We desperately need a solution to this problem.
The word is often combined with verbs of searching, needing, or pleading. Typical collocations are 'händeringend suchen' (to search desperately), 'händeringend brauchen' (to desperately need), and 'händeringend bitten' (to plead desperately).
Das Krankenhaus sucht händeringend Pflegepersonal.
The hospital is desperately looking for nursing staff.
urgent / urgently
“Dringend” primarily describes that a search or action is immediately necessary because of time pressure. “Händeringend” additionally emphasizes the desperation and great concern of the person searching for something or doing something urgently. Use “dringend” for the need for speed and “händeringend” for a desperate situation.
Die Familie sucht händeringend eine neue Wohnung, weil sie sonst bald ohne Zuhause ist.
The family is desperately looking for a new apartment because otherwise they will soon be homeless.
Die Familie sucht dringend eine neue Wohnung, weil der Mietvertrag bald endet.
The family urgently needs to find a new apartment because their lease is ending soon.
