German word

fortsetzen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfɔɐ̯tˌzɛtsən/

Meaning

  • verbcontinue

Example

Wir setzen das Gespräch fort.

We are continuing the conversation.

Illustration for fortsetzen (continue)

More examples

Ich möchte das Gespräch fortsetzen.

I would like to continue the conversation.

Core concept

A paused conversation or activity being placed back onto its forward path.

Common phrases

  • das Gespräch fortsetzen

    continue the conversation

  • die Arbeit fortsetzen

    continue the work

Similar words

weiterreden: Continue a conversation after it has been interrupted.
weitermachen: Keep carrying out the current activity without stopping.
fortfahren: Resume an action after a pause.
weitergehen: Remain in progress without interruption, as an event or state.

Definition in German

fortsetzen beschreibt das Weitermachen einer Tätigkeit oder eines Gesprächs, häufig nach einer Unterbrechung.

Word origin

It is a separable compound of German fort, meaning 'onward' or 'away', and setzen, meaning 'to set' or 'place', with the combined sense of setting something onward.

Usage tips

  • In a main clause, the prefix separates, as in 'Wir setzen das Gespräch fort', but it stays attached in the infinitive and past participle.

Other meanings

  • resumeverb
  • proceedverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word