Laufend

Laufend is a German term derived from the verb laufen (to run). It functions mainly as an adjective or present participle and has two broad meanings: something that is in operation or ongoing, and something that is physically running or flowing. In everyday language and in administrative or technical contexts, it signals current status or ongoing activity.

Etymology: Laufend is formed from laufen with the suffix -end, a common way in German to create participles used as adjectives. The sense of continuing action extends from the notion of motion to processes and states that persist over time, allowing it to describe both concrete operations and abstract progress.

Common usages: In business and administration, laufende Kosten means ongoing or recurring costs, laufende Projekte are projects in progress, and ein laufender Vertrag refers to an active or current contract. In production, laufende Produktion denotes production that is currently in operation. In everyday speech, laufende Nase means a runny nose, and laufendes Wasser means running or flowing water. In numbering, laufende Nummern describe numbers issued in sequence (serial numbers).

Variants and related terms: Fortlaufend is a closely related term meaning continuous or sequential, depending on context. Laufend can also appear in phrases describing ongoing activities, processes, or states, underscoring its role in indicating status rather than momentary state.

See also: laufen, fortlaufend, laufzeit.