laufend
ongoing
Describes something that is currently taking place, is current, or is continuing.
EXAMPLE
Die laufenden Kosten für das Projekt sind höher als erwartet.
The ongoing costs for the project are higher than expected.
laufend
ongoing / continual
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
laufend
continual
Means that something happens constantly, continuously, or in rapid succession.
EXAMPLE
Wir erhalten laufend neue Anfragen von Kunden.
We are continually receiving new inquiries from customers.
laufend
running
Describes something that is in a flowing motion, especially water.
EXAMPLE
Für das Rezept benötigen Sie einen halben Liter laufendes Wasser.
For the recipe, you need half a liter of running water.
Usage tips
Participle as adjective
The word 'laufend' is the present participle of the verb 'laufen' (to run/walk). It describes that something is currently active or continuing, similar to a person who is currently running. This form is often used as an adjective before a noun.
EXAMPLE
Die laufende Ausstellung im Museum ist sehr beliebt.
The ongoing exhibition at the museum is very popular.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'current/ongoing', 'laufend' is often used in business or organizational contexts. Typical combinations are 'laufende Kosten' (ongoing costs), 'ein laufendes Projekt' (an ongoing project), or 'das laufende Geschäftsjahr' (the current fiscal year).
EXAMPLE
Bitte informieren Sie mich über den laufenden Stand des Projekts.
Please inform me about the current status of the project.
Use as an adverb
In the meaning of 'constantly/continually', 'laufend' is often used as an adverb that describes the frequency of an action. It can stand in different positions in the sentence, often directly after the verb or at the beginning of the sentence for emphasis.
EXAMPLE
Wir bekommen laufend neue E-Mails.
We are continually getting new emails.
Context clue
When 'laufend' describes physical movement, it almost always refers to 'laufendes Wasser' (running water) from a tap. This word combination is very fixed and a clear signal for this meaning.
EXAMPLE
Waschen Sie das Gemüse bitte unter laufendem Wasser.
Please wash the vegetables under running water.
Compare with
laufend vs aktuell
current
„Aktuell“ and „laufend“ can both be used for something important that is currently underway. „Aktuell“ highlights its present significance or the current state of the information, while „laufend“ indicates that a process is taking place and is still continuing. „Aktuell“ fits when talking about relevance; „laufend“ is more suitable when describing the course of a process.
laufend
Das laufende Projekt soll erst im nächsten Monat fertig werden.
The ongoing project is not expected to be finished until next month.
aktuell
Das aktuelle Projekt ist für unsere Abteilung besonders wichtig.
The current project is particularly important to our department.
In real life
Loading video examples...