ablaufenden

Ablaufenden is the inflected form of the German adjective ablaufend, derived from the verb ablaufen. It denotes something that runs its course or is approaching its end. In practice, the term is used to describe processes, deadlines, contracts and similar entities in their final phase or nearing expiry. The sense can emphasize either ongoing progression toward completion or imminent termination, depending on context.

Etymology: ablaufen combines the prefix ab- with laufen (to run). The present participle ablaufend functions as an adjective and takes endings according to case, number and gender. With a definite article and in plural, the form appears as ablaufenden, as in die ablaufenden Fristen or die ablaufenden Prozesse.

Usage: The expression is common in administrative, legal and business language. It contrasts with the simple verb usage die Fristen laufen ab, which simply states that deadlines are expiring, whereas ablaufende Fristen treats the deadlines as currently in their final phase. The form also appears in singular or plural, masculine, feminine or neuter, depending on the noun it modifies.

Examples:

- Die ablaufenden Fristen müssen verlängert werden.

- Die ablaufenden Verträge laufen zum Jahresende aus.

- In den Berichten werden die ablaufenden Prozesse als kritisch beschrieben.

Notes: Ablaufen (to run out) and Ablauf (the course or sequence) are related, but ablaufend as an adjective specifically conveys that something is in the process of ending or expiring. The past participle abgelaufen means already expired.