01
singend
singing
Performing the action of singing. It is the present participle of the verb 'singen' (to sing) and is used as an adjective or adverb.
example
Ein singender Vogel saß auf dem Dach.
A singing bird was sitting on the roof.
singend
singing
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure: present participle
'Singend' (singing) is the present participle of the verb 'singen' (to sing). Such participles describe an active, ongoing action and can be used like adjectives or adverbs.
EXAMPLE
Das singende Kind spielte im Garten.
The singing child was playing in the garden.
Sentence structure and use
As an adjective, 'singend' (singing) stands before a noun and is declined. As an adverb, it describes a verb more closely and remains unchanged.
EXAMPLE
Ein singender Mann stand auf der Bühne.
A singing man stood on the stage.
Context clue
When 'singend' (singing) describes a voice, an accent, or a tone of voice, it is meant metaphorically. It does not mean that someone is really singing, but rather that the speech melody is very melodic.
EXAMPLE
Ihre Stimme hatte einen fast singenden Klang.
Her voice had an almost singing quality.
Typical collocations
In the figurative, metaphorical meaning, 'singend' (singing) is very often combined with words like 'Akzent' (accent), 'Stimme' (voice), or 'Tonfall' (tone of voice).
EXAMPLE
Er spricht mit einem leicht singenden Akzent, der typisch für seine Heimat ist.
He speaks with a slightly singing accent that is typical of his home region.
Compare with
singend vs singen
to sing
'singen' and 'singend' look very similar, but they are used differently. 'singen' is a verb: it says what someone does. 'singend' describes a person or an action more closely while someone is singing. It can also describe something that sounds melodic or songlike, for example a voice. The risk of confusion comes from the fact that 'singend' comes from the verb 'singen'. Remember: for the main action in a sentence, you usually need 'singen'. For a description, 'singend' fits, for example 'singend durch den Park gehen' (to walk through the park singing).
singend
Die Kinder liefen singend durch den Garten.
The children ran through the garden singing.
singen
Bei der Arbeit singt er manchmal leise vor sich hin.
At work, he sometimes sings quietly to himself.
In real life
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