Gelaufenen

Gelaufenen is the declined form of the German adjective participle gelaufen, used to describe objects that have become worn through use. The base participle gelaufen comes from laufen (to run). As an attributive adjective, gelaufen is inflected to gelaufenen in the plural when combined with a definite article, as in die gelaufenen Schuhe or den gelaufenen Schuhen. In plural without a determiner, the form gelaufene or gelaufene Schuhe is commonly used (gelaufene Schuhe).

Usage and meaning

The word signals wear and tear resulting from regular use, rather than expiration or failure. It is typically applied to clothing, footwear, or other items that show signs of wear. Examples: Die gelaufenen Schuhe müssen ersetzt werden. Die gelaufenen Sohlen der Schuhe sind abgenutzt. In predicative position after sein, however, the form is usually gelaufen (nicht gelaufenen): Die Schuhe sind gelaufen.

Grammatical notes

Gelaufen functions as a participial adjective. Its ending in plural attributive position depends on the definite article or other determiner: die gelaufenen Schuhe (nominative/accusative plural after a definite article), den gelaufenen Schuhen (dative plural). Without a determiner, the attributive form is gelaufene: gelaufene Schuhe. The predicative form after sein is typically gelaufen, not gelaufenen.

Related terms

Gelaufen contrasts with abgelaufen, which more often means expired or elapsed, such as for foods, time limits, or processes. Gelaufenen emphasizes physical wear from use, while abgelaufen emphasizes the end of a validity period.

In summary, gelaufenen is the plural, attributive form used to describe worn-out items in German, stemming from the past participle gelaufen.