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' and 'händeringend' both express that something is very important and should happen quickly. 'dringend' is neutral and fits many situations: 'eine dringende Aufgabe' (an urgent task), 'ein dringender Termin' (an urgent appointment), or 'dringend Hilfe brauchen' (to urgently need help). 'händeringend' is stronger and more emotional. It shows that someone is desperately looking for or needs something, often because the situation is difficult. The words can be confused because both have to do with urgency. If something simply needs to be done quickly, use 'dringend'. If great need or strong pressure is meant, 'händeringend' fits better.
Das Restaurant sucht händeringend neue Köche für den Sommer.
The restaurant is desperately looking for new cooks for the summer.
Die Ärztin muss den Patienten dringend untersuchen.
The doctor urgently needs to examine the patient.