German word

durchlaufen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈdʊʁçˌlaʊ̯fn̩/

Meaning

  • verbrun through

Example

Der Fluss durchläuft das Tal.

The river runs through the valley.

Illustration for durchlaufen (run through)

More examples

Viele Bewerber mussten das Auswahlverfahren durchlaufen.

Many applicants had to undergo the selection process.

Core concept

A person or thing moves along a complete route, with no stage between the starting point and the endpoint left out.

Common phrases

  • ein Auswahlverfahren durchlaufen

    undergo a selection process

  • eine Sicherheitsprüfung durchlaufen

    go through a security screening

Similar words

passieren: An event or accident taking place.
durchmachen: Living through a difficult period or a series of hardships over time.
durchqueren: Moving across an area or distance from one side to the other.
durchgehen: Reviewing items or procedures in their proper sequence.

Definition in German

Einen Vorgang oder eine Erfahrung von Anfang bis Ende erleben oder durchmachen

Word origin

Durchlaufen combines the Germanic elements durch, meaning through, and laufen, meaning run or move, extending physical movement to completing a process or experience.

Usage tips

  • In this sense, the strong verb has durchläuft in the present, durchlief in the simple past, and hat durchlaufen in the perfect, without ge-.

Other meanings

  • pass throughverb
  • experienceverb

Opposites

Related words

  • durchlaufendongoingadjective
  • Durchläuferperson who passes throughnoun

Word lists with this word