laufen vs funktionieren
German word comparison
Listen to laufen
Listen to funktionieren
| laufen | funktionieren |
|---|---|
LAU-fen verb | fʊŋktsi̯oˈniːʁən verb |
| to run; to walk (depending on context); to operate/function (e.g., a machine or program) | to function; to work (operate correctly) |
How they differ
Funktionieren focuses on whether something works or operates correctly; laufen (for machines/programs) describes that a process is running or active. Thus a program can laufen (be running) but still not funktionieren (work properly).
When to use each
When to use laufen: Prefer laufen when you want to say a program/process is running or active (e.g., 'the service is running').
When to use funktionieren: Use funktionieren to state that a device, program, or system is working properly or not.
Side-by-side examples
- Das Programm läuft im Hintergrund.
(The program is running in the background.) - Das Programm funktioniert nicht.
(The program does not work.)
Register & nuance: Both are neutral in technical contexts; laufen is often used colloquially to mean 'is running', while funktionieren is the standard verb for 'to work' or 'to function'.