prevailing / ruling
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prevailing
Describes something that is dominant or prevailing at a certain time or in a certain place, such as an opinion or a fashion.
Die herrschende Meinung war, dass die neuen Regeln notwendig sind.
The prevailing opinion was that the new rules are necessary.
ruling
Refers to people or groups who exercise political power and govern.
Die herrschende Familie kontrollierte das Land seit Generationen.
The ruling family had controlled the country for generations.
'Herrschend' (prevailing/ruling) is the present participle of the verb 'herrschen' (to rule/prevail). It is used as an adjective and describes something that is actively ruling, prevailing, or dominating at that moment.
Unter den herrschenden Umständen können wir nicht weiterarbeiten.
Under the prevailing circumstances, we cannot continue working.
This adjective is almost always used attributively, meaning before a noun. Predicative use, for example 'Die Meinung ist herrschend.' (The opinion is prevailing.), is grammatically possible but very uncommon and sounds unnatural.
Die herrschende Kälte machte allen zu schaffen.
The prevailing cold was hard on everyone.
The meaning depends on the noun. In connection with abstract terms like 'Meinung' (opinion) or 'Mode' (fashion), it means 'prevailing'. In connection with people or groups like 'Klasse' (class) or 'Partei' (party), it means 'ruling' or 'exercising power'.
Die herrschende Mode diktiert kurze Röcke in diesem Sommer.
The prevailing fashion dictates short skirts this summer.
ruling
Herrschend and regierend can both express political power. Regierend more precisely refers to a party or group that currently forms the government; herrschend can describe a political position of power more generally. Regierend is therefore particularly appropriate for the party currently in government.
Die herrschende Gruppe kontrolliert das Land, ohne eine gewählte Regierung zu bilden.
The ruling group controls the country without forming an elected government.
Die regierende Partei bildet seit der letzten Wahl die Regierung.
The ruling party has formed the government since the last election.
