Nachläuft

Nachläuft is a term that relates to the German verb nachlaufen, which means to run after, to follow closely, or to tail someone or something. In standard usage, the present-tense form for the third person singular is lays out as er/sie/es läuft nach, i.e., the prefix nach- is separable and the verb is conjugated with the finite verb alongside the object that is being followed.

Grammatically, nachlaufen is a separable prefixed verb. In main clauses its prefix moves to the end of the clause, yielding constructions such as Er läuft mir nach. In past and conjunctional forms it follows the regular conjugation pattern of laufen: er läuft nach, er lief nach, er ist nachgelaufen. The prefix nach- adds the sense of backward or after in relation to the reference, distinguishing it from other run- or go-related verbs.

Usage and nuance. The verb is common in everyday German for literal chasing, for example Der Hund läuft dem Frisbee nach. It can also be used figuratively, meaning to pursue someone’s attention, reputation, or requirements over time, such as Jemand versucht, dem Trend nachzulaufen, by following or trying to keep up with something.

Noun form and related terms. The related noun Nachlauf denotes a trailing movement, lag, or residual effect in mechanical, technical, or process contexts. Examples include the Nachlaufzeit, the period during which a system continues to move or react after the input has stopped. In engineering or physics, Nachlauf describes delayed or lingering motion that persists after the primary forcing force ends.

See also. Nachlauf (mechanics), nachlaufen (verb), Nachlaufzeit.