dancing
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dancing
Describes a person or thing that is currently in the act of dancing or moving in a dance-like way. It is the present participle of the verb 'tanzen' (to dance).
Die tanzenden Paare füllten die ganze Fläche vor der Bühne.
The dancing couples filled the entire area in front of the stage.
'Tanzend' (dancing) is the present participle of the verb 'tanzen' (to dance). You form it by adding a 'd' to the infinitive. It always describes an action that is happening at that moment.
Das Kind lief singend und tanzend durch den Garten.
The child ran through the garden singing and dancing.
As an adverb, 'tanzend' (dancing) describes how another action is carried out. It indicates that two actions are happening at the same time and is not declined.
Sie kam tanzend ins Zimmer und lachte.
She came dancing into the room and laughed.
'Tanzend' (dancing) is also often used figuratively for things that move lightly and rhythmically. Lights, shadows, or leaves in the wind can also 'tanzen' (dance).
Die tanzenden Flammen im Kamin sahen wunderschön aus.
The dancing flames in the fireplace looked beautiful.
to dance
'tanzen' and 'tanzend' are closely related, but they have different grammatical roles. 'tanzen' is a verb and describes the action: a person moves to music, or something moves lightly and irregularly. 'tanzend' describes what someone or something is like or how it moves. It often comes before a noun or describes the manner of a movement. Learners may confuse the words because 'tanzend' comes from the verb 'tanzen'. A practical rule is: if you want to say what someone is doing, use 'tanzen'. If you want to describe a person or movement more closely, 'tanzend' fits.
Die tanzenden Kinder lachen, als die Musik schneller wird.
The dancing children laugh as the music gets faster.
Auf der Feier tanzen alle Gäste bis spät in die Nacht.
At the party, all the guests dance until late into the night.