schwimmend
floating / swimming
Located on the surface of water or moving through it without sinking.
EXAMPLE
Ein schwimmendes Hausboot liegt am Ufer des Kanals.
A floating houseboat is moored on the bank of the canal.
schwimmend
floating / swimming
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Meanings
schwimmend
floating
In finance, having the quality of being variable or not fixed to a value, but instead determined by the market. Often used for exchange rates or interest rates.
EXAMPLE
Die Zentralbank hat sich für einen schwimmenden Wechselkurs entschieden.
The central bank has opted for a floating exchange rate.
schwimmend
vague
In a figurative sense, unclear, indefinite, or vaguely formulated.
EXAMPLE
Seine Antwort auf die direkte Frage war eher schwimmend und ausweichend.
His answer to the direct question was rather vague and evasive.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Schwimmend' (floating/swimming) is the present participle of the verb 'schwimmen' (to swim). This form is used as an adjective and describes an ongoing action or a state.
EXAMPLE
Einige Blätter trieben schwimmend auf dem Wasser.
Some leaves floated on the water.
Typical collocations
In the literal meaning, 'schwimmend' (floating/swimming) is often used for objects that are specifically built to be on the water. Typical examples are 'eine schwimmende Plattform' (a floating platform), 'ein schwimmendes Restaurant' (a floating restaurant), or 'ein schwimmender Markt' (a floating market).
EXAMPLE
In Thailand besuchten wir einen schwimmenden Markt.
In Thailand, we visited a floating market.
Financial terminology
This meaning belongs to the specialized language of business and finance. You can recognize it from nouns such as 'Wechselkurs' (exchange rate), 'Zinssatz' (interest rate), or 'Kapital' (capital). It means that the value is not fixed but adjusts to the market.
EXAMPLE
Viele Länder haben heute einen schwimmenden Wechselkurs ihrer Währung.
Many countries today have a floating exchange rate for their currency.
Figurative meaning
In the figurative sense, 'schwimmend' (vague) describes something unclear or evasive. It is used for abstract nouns such as 'Antwort' (answer), 'Aussage' (statement), or 'Formulierung' (wording).
EXAMPLE
Der Politiker gab nur eine schwimmende Antwort auf die Frage des Journalisten.
The politician gave only a vague answer to the journalist's question.
Compare with
schwimmend vs vage
vague
Both words can describe unclear wording. „Vage“ is the usual direct term for this, while „schwimmend“ conveys the impression figuratively and sounds less definite. „Vage“ usually fits in ordinary statements; „schwimmend“ is suitable when you want to emphasize the uncertainty in a particularly vivid way.
schwimmend
Die schwimmende Antwort ließ offen, wann das Treffen stattfinden sollte.
The evasive answer left open when the meeting was supposed to take place.
vage
Die vage Antwort ließ offen, wann das Treffen stattfinden sollte.
The vague answer left open when the meeting was supposed to take place.
In real life
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