In 15 Seconds
- Means being fully informed about current events or specific news.
- Use it for work projects, news, or personal life updates.
- Switch 'sein' to 'halten' to ask for future updates.
Meaning
This phrase is all about staying in the loop. It means you have the latest information and aren't missing out on any news or updates.
Key Examples
3 of 6Starting a business meeting
Ich bin bei diesem Projekt leider nicht ganz auf dem Laufenden.
Unfortunately, I'm not entirely up to date on this project.
Texting a friend about a party
Halt mich bitte auf dem Laufenden, wann es losgeht!
Please keep me posted on when it starts!
Talking about world news
Liest du die Zeitung, um auf dem Laufenden zu sein?
Do you read the newspaper to stay up to date?
Cultural Background
In German offices, being 'auf dem Laufenden' is not just a preference; it's an expectation. Meetings often start with a 'Status-Update' to ensure everyone is on the same page. Germans are heavy consumers of news (Tagesschau, Spiegel). Being 'auf dem Laufenden' about world politics is a common social requirement for dinner parties. While Germany is sometimes seen as slow in digital tech, the phrase 'auf dem Laufenden sein' is now heavily used in the context of 'Digitalisierung' and tech trends. The phrase is equally common in Switzerland and Austria, though you might hear more regional synonyms like 'am Schnürchen haben' (to have it on a string) in very informal Swiss German.
Use 'auf'm' for extra fluency
In casual conversation, Germans contract 'auf dem' to 'auf'm'. Saying 'Ich bin auf'm Laufenden' makes you sound very natural.
Capitalization matters
If you write this in a formal email, failing to capitalize 'Laufenden' is a noticeable grammar error.
In 15 Seconds
- Means being fully informed about current events or specific news.
- Use it for work projects, news, or personal life updates.
- Switch 'sein' to 'halten' to ask for future updates.
What It Means
Imagine a news ticker or a treadmill that never stops. To be auf dem Laufenden sein means you are standing right on that moving track. You aren't falling behind. You know exactly what is happening right now. It is the German way of saying you are 'up to speed' or 'in the loop.' It covers everything from global politics to office gossip.
How To Use It
You usually use it with the verb sein (to be). If you want to ask someone to keep you updated, you switch the verb to halten. For example, Halt mich auf dem Laufenden! is a classic way to say 'Keep me posted!' It is very flexible. You can use it for people, projects, or even software versions. Just remember that Laufenden is a noun here, so keep that capital 'L' ready.
When To Use It
Use it whenever information is flowing. It is perfect for the start of a meeting. You can use it when a friend is telling you about their dating life. It works great in emails when you want to sound professional but proactive. If your phone is buzzing with notifications, you are definitely auf dem Laufenden. It feels active and engaged.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for static knowledge. If you know how to bake a cake, you don't say you are auf dem Laufenden about the recipe. That is just 'knowing' something. Also, avoid it for deep historical facts. It is strictly for things that change or evolve over time. If the news is 'old news,' this phrase stays in the drawer. Don't use it if you are just physically running, either—that would be very confusing for your jogging partner!
Cultural Background
Germans value being well-informed and efficient. This phrase reflects that. The word laufend comes from laufen (to run). It suggests that the world moves fast. To keep up, you have to be 'on the running' part of life. It became very popular with the rise of modern media and fast-paced office culture. It shows you are a reliable person who pays attention.
Common Variations
As mentioned, jemanden auf dem Laufenden halten (to keep someone updated) is the most common sibling. You might also hear sich auf dem Laufenden halten. This means you are taking the initiative to check the news yourself. In very casual settings, people might just ask, 'Und? Was gibt’s Neues?' but auf dem Laufenden remains the gold standard for staying informed.
Usage Notes
This phrase is incredibly versatile, sitting perfectly in the 'neutral' category. It is safe for your boss, your grandma, and your best friend.
Use 'auf'm' for extra fluency
In casual conversation, Germans contract 'auf dem' to 'auf'm'. Saying 'Ich bin auf'm Laufenden' makes you sound very natural.
Capitalization matters
If you write this in a formal email, failing to capitalize 'Laufenden' is a noticeable grammar error.
Small talk gold
This is a great phrase to transition from small talk to business: 'Schön, dass wir beide auf dem Laufenden sind. Fangen wir an?'
Examples
6Ich bin bei diesem Projekt leider nicht ganz auf dem Laufenden.
Unfortunately, I'm not entirely up to date on this project.
A polite way to ask for a quick briefing.
Halt mich bitte auf dem Laufenden, wann es losgeht!
Please keep me posted on when it starts!
Very common in casual planning.
Liest du die Zeitung, um auf dem Laufenden zu sein?
Do you read the newspaper to stay up to date?
Refers to general knowledge of current events.
Mein Computer braucht drei Stunden für Updates, nur um auf dem Laufenden zu sein.
My computer needs three hours for updates just to be up to date.
Using the phrase for technology updates.
Bitte halt mich auf dem Laufenden, wie es deiner Oma geht.
Please keep me updated on how your grandma is doing.
Shows care and emotional involvement.
Wir werden Sie über alle Änderungen auf dem Laufenden halten.
We will keep you informed about all changes.
Standard professional reassurance.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word (remember capitalization!).
Ich lese jeden Tag {die|f} Nachrichten, um auf dem ________ zu sein.
It must be capitalized because it's a noun in this phrase.
Which sentence is correct for a business email?
You want your boss to keep you updated.
'Jemanden auf dem Laufenden halten' is the standard phrase for 'keep someone updated'.
Match the German phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the four main variations of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hast du die neuen Verkaufszahlen gesehen? B: Nein, ich war gestern krank. Ich bin gar nicht ________.
B is explaining that they are not up to date because they were sick.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch lese jeden Tag {die|f} Nachrichten, um auf dem ________ zu sein.
It must be capitalized because it's a noun in this phrase.
You want your boss to keep you updated.
'Jemanden auf dem Laufenden halten' is the standard phrase for 'keep someone updated'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the four main variations of the phrase.
A: Hast du die neuen Verkaufszahlen gesehen? B: Nein, ich war gestern krank. Ich bin gar nicht ________.
B is explaining that they are not up to date because they were sick.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but you usually say 'über jemanden auf dem Laufenden sein' (e.g., 'Ich bin über meine Schwester auf dem Laufenden').
It is 'auf dem' (Dative) when you ARE in that state. It is 'auf den' (Accusative) when you are GETTING into that state (e.g., 'sich auf den Laufenden bringen').
In many German startups, 'up to date' is common, but 'auf dem Laufenden' is never wrong and sounds more professional.
You can say 'nicht auf dem Laufenden sein' or 'den Anschluss verloren haben' (to have lost the connection).
No! That means 'I am running' or 'I am current.' It doesn't work as an idiom for information.
The best way is: 'Halten Sie mich bitte auf dem Laufenden.'
It is neutral. It works in an office and at a bar with friends.
Because it comes from the adjective 'laufend' (running). 'Laufen' is the verb (to run).
Only if the movie is currently playing and you are following the latest twists. If the movie is old, just use 'kennen'.
Extremely. It is one of the most common phrases in German business correspondence.
Related Phrases
Bescheid wissen
synonymTo be informed/know about something
im Bilde sein
similarTo be in the picture
up to date sein
synonymTo be up to date
jemanden ins Boot holen
builds onTo bring someone on board
den Faden verlieren
contrastTo lose the thread
