silent
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silent / silently
Describing the state in which no one is speaking; without talking or making sounds.
Sie saßen sich eine Weile schweigend gegenüber, bis er das Wort ergriff.
They sat facing each other silently for a while until he began to speak.
'Schweigend' (silent/silently) is the present participle of the verb 'schweigen' (to be silent). It describes a person or thing that is currently being silent and is used like an adjective or adverb.
Der Angeklagte hörte dem Urteil schweigend zu.
The defendant listened to the verdict silently.
'Schweigend' (silent/silently) can stand before a noun as an adjective and is then declined. It can also describe an action as an adverb and then remains unchanged.
Die schweigende Masse wartete auf eine Antwort.
The silent crowd waited for an answer.
The word is often used to describe a quiet but intense atmosphere. Common verbs are 'schweigend dastehen' (to stand there silently), 'schweigend zusehen' (to watch silently), or 'schweigend essen' (to eat silently).
Sie gingen eine Weile schweigend nebeneinander her.
They walked alongside each other silently for a while.
quiet / still
Still generally describes a quiet situation without any sounds. Schweigend, by contrast, emphasizes that a person or group is not speaking. Use still for overall quiet; when the absence of speech itself is important, schweigend is the better choice.
Während der Rede hörten die Gäste schweigend zu.
The guests listened silently during the speech.
Während der Rede war es im ganzen Saal still.
The entire hall was quiet during the speech.
