01
rasend
rapid
Moving at very high speed; extremely fast.
example
Mit rasender Geschwindigkeit näherte sich der Krankenwagen.
The ambulance approached at rapid speed.
rasend
rapid / furious
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Participle as adjective
'Rasend' is the present participle of the verb 'rasen' (to speed; to rage). As an adjective, it therefore describes something that happens with extreme speed or intensity.
EXAMPLE
Der Sturm fegte mit rasender Kraft über das Land.
The storm swept across the country with tremendous force.
Context clues
The context shows the meaning: in connection with movement, 'rasend' means very fast. In connection with feelings or pain, it means extremely strong. In connection with success, it is colloquial for 'enormous'.
EXAMPLE
Das Auto fuhr in rasendem Tempo die Straße entlang.
The car drove down the road at a rapid pace.
Sentence structure with emotions
To express an extreme feeling, the structure 'rasend vor + [noun in the dative]' is often used. Alternatively, it can also stand directly before an adjective.
EXAMPLE
Er war rasend vor Eifersucht.
He was furious with jealousy.
Colloquial use
In the meaning 'very great' or 'enormous', 'rasend' is used mainly colloquially. Typical combinations are 'ein rasender Erfolg' (a tremendous success) or 'rasend beliebt sein' (to be extremely popular).
EXAMPLE
Sein erstes Buch hatte einen rasenden Erfolg.
His first book was a tremendous success.
Compare with
rasend vs schnell
fast / quick
'schnell' and 'rasend' can both describe a very high speed. 'schnell' is neutral and fits people, vehicles, tasks, or processes. 'rasend' is much stronger and often sounds more dramatic. It is used especially when something is moving extremely fast or when you want to emphasize the speed strongly. In many everyday sentences, you simply say 'schnell'. 'rasend' fits more with strong images such as a car, train, or pace.
rasend
Der Zug fuhr rasend durch den Bahnhof, ohne anzuhalten.
The train sped through the station without stopping.
schnell
Könnt ihr bitte schnell die Fenster schließen?
Could you please close the windows quickly?
In real life
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