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hinterherlaufen

to run after, to chase after

verb HIN-ter-her-low-fen Rare
Travel & Places Movement

Also means

to constantly chase something (figurative)

Usage Note

hinterherlaufen means to run or hurry after someone or something — either literally (chasing a bus) or figuratively (immer dem Trend hinterherlaufen — always chasing the latest trend). It often implies being slightly behind and struggling to catch up.

Examples

"Das Kind lief seinem Hund den ganzen Park hinterher."

Natural Translation

The child ran after its dog through the entire park.

Literal Translation

The child ran its dog the whole park after.

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