hängend
hanging
Describes something that hangs down from above or has a downward-tilted position.
EXAMPLE
Die Weide am Ufer hat lange, hängende Zweige.
The willow by the bank has long, hanging branches.
hängend
hanging / pending
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Meanings
hängend
pending
In legal and administrative language: not yet completed or decided; currently being processed.
EXAMPLE
Während des hängenden Verfahrens darf der Angeklagte das Land nicht verlassen.
During the pending proceedings, the defendant may not leave the country.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'hängend' (hanging) is the present participle of the verb 'hängen' (to hang). This form describes an ongoing state or an ongoing action and is used like an adjective.
EXAMPLE
Die hängenden Pflanzen auf dem Balkon müssen gegossen werden.
The hanging plants on the balcony need to be watered.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If 'hängend' (hanging) refers to physical objects such as branches or shoulders, it means 'hanging down'. In legal or administrative texts in connection with 'Verfahren' (proceedings) or 'Klage' (lawsuit), it means 'pending' or 'being processed'.
EXAMPLE
Mit hängenden Schultern ging er nach Hause.
He went home with drooping shoulders.
Typical collocations
In its literal meaning, 'hängend' (hanging) is often used to describe body parts or parts of plants. Typical combinations are 'hängende Schultern' (drooping shoulders), 'hängende Mundwinkel' (downturned corners of the mouth), or 'hängende Geranien' (hanging geraniums).
EXAMPLE
Der alte Baum hat tief hängende Äste.
The old tree has low-hanging branches.
Register: technical language
The meaning 'in Bearbeitung' (being processed) belongs to legal and administrative language. This usage is not used in normal everyday speech.
EXAMPLE
Die Klage ist seit zwei Jahren bei diesem Gericht hängend.
The lawsuit has been pending at this court for two years.
Compare with
hängend vs offen
open
An open administrative matter simply has not yet been completed or decided. In legal and administrative language, “hängend” additionally means that a procedure is still ongoing or being processed. In everyday language, “offen” is appropriate; in a specialized administrative text, “hängend” may be suitable.
hängend
Im Schreiben der Behörde wird das Verfahren als hängend bezeichnet.
The authority’s letter describes the procedure as pending.
offen
Die Entscheidung über den Antrag ist noch offen.
The decision on the application is still open.
In real life
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