die  Weiterführung

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈvaɪ̯tɐˌfyːʁʊŋ/

📖 What exactly does "die Weiterführung" mean?

Die Weiterführung (noun, feminine) describes the process of continuing or maintaining something that has already begun. It's about not stopping an activity, process, project, or even an idea, but rather carrying it forward.

• Core meaning: continuation, pursuance, carrying on, extension
• Article: Always 'die', as it is a feminine noun (often indicated by the suffix '-ung'). 👩‍💼

It is often used in the context of work, projects, studies, or also for the continuation of a story or conversation.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar in Detail: Declension

As a feminine noun, 'die Weiterführung' follows the feminine declension pattern.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die Weiterführung des Projekts ist gesichert.
   (The continuation of the project is secured.)
2. Wir diskutieren über die Weiterführung der Gespräche.
   (We are discussing the continuation of the talks.)
3. Nach dem Studium plant sie die Weiterführung ihrer Forschung.
   (After her studies, she plans the continuation of her research.)
4. Die finanziellen Mittel für die Weiterführungen der Programme wurden bewilligt.
   (The financial resources for the continuations of the programs have been approved.)

💡 When and how to use "Weiterführung"?

The word 'Weiterführung' is often used in more formal contexts, especially when referring to the continuation of something official or structured:

• Professional/Project-related: Die Weiterführung eines Arbeitsvertrags (of an employment contract), eines Projekts (of a project), einer Strategie (of a strategy).
• Academic: Die Weiterführung eines Studiums (of studies), einer Forschungsarbeit (of a research paper).
• Administrative/Political: Die Weiterführung einer Politik (of a policy), eines Programms (of a program), eines Verfahrens (of a procedure).
• General: Die Weiterführung einer Tradition (of a tradition), einer Diskussion (of a discussion).

Distinction from similar words:

• Fortsetzung: Often synonymous, but 'Fortsetzung' can also be used more generally for the next chapter of a story or the next part of a film. 'Weiterführung' often emphasizes the active process of continuing more strongly.
• Fortführung: Very similar to 'Weiterführung', often interchangeable. 'Weiterführung' might sometimes emphasize the aspect of 'weiter' (further, beyond a point) more.
• Aufrechterhaltung: Emphasizes maintaining a state against resistance (e.g., *Aufrechterhaltung der Ordnung* - maintaining order).

⚠️ Avoid using it in very informal contexts where simpler verbs like 'weitermachen' (to carry on) sound more natural.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article 'die': Remember: Many nouns derived from verbs ending in '-ung' are feminine ('die'). Führen (to lead/guide) -> Führung (leadership/guidance) -> Weiterführung. Picture a female leader ('die' Managerin) ensuring the continuation (Weiterführung) of a task. 👩‍💼➡️

Meaning: Break down the word: Weiter (further, continuing) + Führung (leading, guidance). It literally means 'leading further' or guiding something onwards, hence, continuation. Think of it as 'further-führung'.🚶‍♀️➡️🚶‍♀️

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms for Weiterführung

⚠️ Similar, but different words:

• Einführung: Introduction (starting something new - opposite).
• Durchführung: Execution, implementation (carrying out a plan).

😄 A little Joke

Fragt der Chef den Praktikanten: "Können Sie die Weiterführung dieser Aufgabe übernehmen?"
Antwortet der Praktikant: "Klar, aber nur wenn sie nicht zu weit führt!" 😉

(The boss asks the intern: "Can you take over the continuation of this task?"
The intern replies: "Sure, but only if it doesn't lead too far!")
(Play on words: "weit führen" can mean "to lead far" or metaphorically "to go too far").

📜 Poem about Weiterführung

Ein Plan gefasst, ein Werk begann,
doch Kraft und Zeit verrann.
Was hilft nun in der schweren Stund'?
Die Weiterführung – macht's wieder rund! Sie trägt das Ziel, Schritt für Schritt,
nimmt das Begonnene einfach mit.
Drum zög're nicht, halt' an am Lauf,
gib die Idee niemals auf!

(A plan was made, a work begun,
but strength and time outrun.
What helps now in the difficult hour?
The continuation – makes it whole with power!
It carries the goal, step by step you see,
takes what's started along simply.
So don't hesitate, keep on the track,
never give up on the idea, don't look back!)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin kein Ende und kein Start,
bewahr' die Dinge auf meine Art.
Ob Projekt, Idee, ob langer Lauf,
ich hör nicht einfach plötzlich auf.
Man braucht mich oft im Planungsring,
damit die Sache weiter ging.

Was bin ich?

(I am no end and no start,
I preserve things in my own art.
Whether project, idea, or a long run,
I don't just suddenly stop, undone.
I'm often needed in the planning phase,
so that the matter continues its ways.)

What am I?

Solution: die Weiterführung (the continuation)

🧩 Further Details

Word Composition:

'Die Weiterführung' is a compound noun formed from:

• The adverb/prefix 'weiter-' (expresses continuation)
• The noun 'Führung' (derived from the verb 'führen' - to lead, guide)
• The suffix '-ung' typically makes the noun feminine ('die') and often denotes a process or result.

Context: The word tends to belong to formal or written language. In spoken German, simpler phrases like "weitermachen" (to carry on), "fortsetzen" (to continue), or "dranbleiben" (to stick with it) are often preferred.