fortlaufende

Fortlaufende is a German adjective meaning ongoing, continuous, or sequential. It is used to describe processes, data, or series that proceed without interruption or in a regular order. The form fortlaufende is the inflected variant used before feminine singular nouns, all plural nouns, and neuter singular nouns in many cases; for example: eine fortlaufende Nummerierung (a continuous numbering), der fortlaufende Prozess (the ongoing process), die fortlaufenden Serien (the continuous series), das fortlaufende Protokoll (the ongoing log).

In usage, fortlaufende describes things that happen in a steady or uninterrupted manner. Typical phrases include fortlaufende Aufzeichnungen (continuous records), fortlaufende Zählung (continuous counting), and fortlaufende Nummerierung (continuous numbering). In computing and data management, fortlaufende Sequenzen or fortlaufende IDs are common terms for identifiers or values that increase in sequence over time.

Grammatically, fortlaufende functions as a normal attributive adjective and agrees with the noun it modifies: masculine, feminine, neuter, singular or plural forms follow standard German adjective declension after the definite article. It can appear in various contexts such as business processes, publishing, or logistics to denote uninterrupted or orderly progression.

Notes on nuance: fortlaufende emphasizes continuity over time or a sequential order, and is often synonymous with kontinuierlich or sequential, though subtle distinctions exist. It should not be confused with broader terms like ständig (constant) or kontinuierlich in the sense of uninterrupted duration, depending on context.

Etymology traces to fortlaufen, meaning to continue running or proceeding, with fortlaufende forming the present participle/adjective derivative used in modern German.