im Folgenden

The German phrase im Folgenden is a sophisticated adverbial expression primarily used in formal, academic, and professional contexts. It translates most directly to the English phrases 'in the following', 'below', or 'hereafter'. Grammatically, it is a contraction of the preposition 'in' and the dative masculine/neuter article 'dem', combined with the substantivized present participle of the verb 'folgen' (to follow). Because 'Folgenden' functions as a noun in this fixed expression, it is always capitalized. This phrase serves as a crucial discourse marker, signaling to the reader or listener that a detailed explanation, a list, or a specific set of information is about to be presented. It acts as a bridge between a general introductory statement and the specific data that supports it.

Grammatical Composition

The phrase consists of 'in' + 'dem' (merged into 'im') + 'Folgenden' (substantivized dative singular). It functions as a temporal or sequential adverbial phrase.

In everyday conversation, Germans might prefer simpler alternatives like 'jetzt' (now) or 'gleich' (soon), but in any written report, legal document, or scientific paper, 'im Folgenden' is the gold standard for structure. It provides a roadmap for the audience, ensuring they understand the logical progression of the argument. It is particularly common in the introductory paragraphs of essays, where the author outlines the structure of their work. For example, a student might write, 'Im Folgenden werde ich die Ursachen des Klimawandels analysieren' (In the following, I will analyze the causes of climate change). This usage establishes a professional tone and demonstrates a high level of linguistic competence.

Beyond simple lists, 'im Folgenden' can also refer to a future time period within a narrative or a logical sequence. It suggests a close temporal or spatial proximity—what follows is usually immediate. It is rarely used to describe things happening days or weeks later, but rather things happening on the next page, in the next paragraph, or in the next few minutes of a speech. This immediate connection makes it an essential tool for maintaining cohesion in complex texts. Furthermore, it is often paired with the passive voice in German academic writing to maintain objectivity, such as 'Im Folgenden wird gezeigt...' (In the following, it is shown...).

Register and Tone

Strictly formal and neutral. Avoid in casual text messages unless being intentionally ironic or overly precise.

Understanding the nuances of 'im Folgenden' also requires recognizing its spatial limitations. In German, if you are referring to something physically located lower down on a page, you might use 'untenstehend', but 'im Folgenden' is more versatile because it covers both physical location in a text and temporal sequence in a presentation. It is the bridge that tells your audience: 'Stay tuned, because the evidence is coming right now.' Mastering this phrase allows a B1 learner to transition from simple sentence structures to complex, well-organized discourse, which is a key requirement for moving toward B2 and C1 levels.

Common Collocations

...wird beschrieben, ...wird erläutert, ...aufgelistet, ...dargelegt, ...analysiert.

Finally, it is worth noting that 'im Folgenden' is often used to define abbreviations that will be used later in a text. For instance, 'The European Union (hereafter EU)...' would be rendered in German as 'Die Europäische Union (im Folgenden: EU)...'. This specific legalistic and technical usage highlights the phrase's role in establishing conventions and ensuring clarity across lengthy documents. For an English speaker, thinking of it as a more elegant way to say 'next' or 'from here on' will help in internalizing its function within the German language ecosystem.

Using im Folgenden correctly requires an understanding of German word order, particularly the V2 (verb-second) rule. Because 'im Folgenden' is an adverbial phrase, if you start a sentence with it, the conjugated verb must follow immediately, with the subject pushed to the third position. This is a common stumbling block for English speakers who are used to saying 'In the following, I will...' (where 'I' comes before 'will'). In German, it must be: 'Im Folgenden werde ich...'. This structure is essential for maintaining the rhythmic flow of formal German prose.

Sentence Position 1

Im Folgenden [Verb] [Subject] ... (e.g., Im Folgenden erkläre ich die Regeln.)

Alternatively, 'im Folgenden' can be placed in the middle of the sentence, often after the verb or the subject, depending on what you want to emphasize. When placed internally, it often acts as a parenthetical remark. For example: 'Ich werde im Folgenden auf die Details eingehen' (I will go into the details in the following). Here, the phrase feels less like a formal announcement and more like a natural part of the sentence's information flow. It is important to note that while it is a prepositional phrase, it functions as a single unit of meaning.

When using the phrase to introduce an abbreviation, the syntax changes slightly. It is usually placed in parentheses immediately following the full term. For example: 'Das Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (im Folgenden: BMBF) hat neue Richtlinien erlassen.' Note the use of the colon within the parentheses. This is the standard way to introduce a shortened term that will be used throughout the remainder of the document. This usage is strictly formal and is ubiquitous in German legal and administrative texts.

Parenthetical Usage

(im Folgenden: [Abbreviation]) - Used to define a term for the rest of the text.

Another frequent pattern involves using 'im Folgenden' with the preposition 'von' or as part of a passive construction. 'Im Folgenden wird von der Annahme ausgegangen, dass...' (In the following, it is assumed that...). This avoids the use of 'I' or 'we', which is often preferred in German scientific writing to maintain an air of objectivity. The phrase effectively sets the stage for the logical premises that follow. It can also be used to refer to a specific section: 'Wie im Folgenden gezeigt wird...' (As will be shown in the following...).

Verb Pairings

Pair it with verbs of explanation: erläutern, beschreiben, darstellen, skizzieren, analysieren.

In summary, the sentence structure surrounding 'im Folgenden' is flexible but governed by strict V2 rules when used as an introductory element. Its primary role is to create a logical link between the present statement and the information that is about to be revealed. Whether used to introduce an abbreviation, a list, or a complex argument, it serves as a signpost that helps the reader navigate the text with ease. For English speakers, the key is to remember the capitalization of 'Folgenden' and to resist the urge to add a comma after it at the start of a sentence.

While you might not hear im Folgenden shouted across a crowded beer hall, you will encounter it constantly in any setting involving structured information. If you are a student at a German university, your professors will use it in every single lecture. They might say, 'Im Folgenden beschäftigen wir uns mit der Thermodynamik' (In the following, we will deal with thermodynamics). It is the verbal equivalent of a bullet point on a PowerPoint slide, signaling a transition to a new topic or a deeper dive into the current one.

Academic Context

Used in lectures, seminars, and textbooks to structure the delivery of complex information.

In the corporate world, 'im Folgenden' is a staple of business presentations and reports. When a manager presents the quarterly results, they might introduce a chart by saying, 'Wie im Folgenden ersichtlich ist, haben wir unsere Ziele übertroffen' (As can be seen in the following, we have exceeded our goals). It conveys a sense of preparedness and professionalism. If you work in a German office, you will see this phrase in almost every internal memo, project plan, and contractual agreement. It is part of the 'Amtssprache' (official language) that defines German bureaucracy.

Legal and governmental documents are perhaps the most common 'habitats' for this phrase. Laws, regulations, and court rulings rely heavily on 'im Folgenden' to define terms and link different sections of a text. For instance, a law might state, 'Die im Folgenden aufgeführten Ausnahmen gelten für alle Bürger' (The exceptions listed below apply to all citizens). In this context, the phrase is not just a stylistic choice but a legal necessity to ensure that the scope of the text is clearly defined. If you ever have to deal with the German 'Finanzamt' (tax office), you will become very familiar with this phrase.

Legal/Official Context

Used to define terms, list conditions, and reference specific parts of a legal code or contract.

You will also find it in technical manuals and instructions. Whether it is a software manual or a guide on how to assemble a piece of IKEA furniture, 'im Folgenden' is used to guide the user through a sequence of steps. 'Im Folgenden werden die Installationsschritte erläutert' (The installation steps are explained below). This usage emphasizes the phrase's function as a temporal guide, leading the user from one moment in time to the next. In summary, anywhere there is a need for clarity, structure, and professional tone, 'im Folgenden' will be present.

Technical Usage

Common in 'Bedienungsanleitungen' (operating instructions) to introduce procedural steps.

Finally, even in non-academic literature, such as historical biographies or detailed essays, authors use 'im Folgenden' to manage the reader's expectations. It is a tool of narrative control. By saying 'im Folgenden', the author is essentially saying, 'I am moving from the general introduction into the specific meat of the story.' It is a sophisticated way to keep the reader engaged by promising that more information is imminent. For the learner, recognizing this phrase in the wild is a sign that you have moved beyond basic communication and are now engaging with the 'adult' world of German information exchange.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with im Folgenden is failing to capitalize the 'F'. In English, 'following' in 'in the following' is an adjective or a gerund, but in the German phrase, 'Folgenden' is a substantivized adjective (an adjective acting as a noun). According to German spelling rules, all nouns and words used as nouns must be capitalized. Writing 'im folgenden' is a clear marker of a non-native speaker or a careless writer. Even many native speakers occasionally get this wrong in casual writing, but in formal contexts, it is a significant error.

Spelling Error

Incorrect: im folgenden. Correct: im Folgenden. (Reason: Substantivization).

Another common error involves word order, specifically the V2 rule. As mentioned before, if 'im Folgenden' starts the sentence, the verb must come next. English speakers often try to translate 'In the following, I will show...' as 'Im Folgenden, ich werde zeigen...'. This is incorrect for two reasons: the comma shouldn't be there, and the subject 'ich' and verb 'werde' must be swapped. The correct version is 'Im Folgenden werde ich zeigen...'. This mistake is particularly persistent because it mirrors English syntax so closely.

Learners also sometimes confuse 'im Folgenden' with 'folgend' (following) or 'folgendermaßen' (as follows). While they are related, they are not interchangeable. 'Folgendermaßen' is used specifically to describe the *manner* in which something happens, often introducing a direct quote or a specific procedure. 'Im Folgenden' is more general, referring to the subsequent part of a text or time. Using 'folgend' as a standalone adverb is also a mistake; it usually needs to be part of a phrase or an adjective modifying a noun (e.g., 'am folgenden Tag').

Confusion with 'folgendermaßen'

'Folgendermaßen' = in the following way/manner. 'Im Folgenden' = in the following part of the text.

A more subtle mistake is using 'im Folgenden' in an overly informal context. Because it is a high-register phrase, using it while chatting with friends about a movie might sound bizarre or mockingly formal. For example, saying 'Im Folgenden erzähle ich dir von meinem Wochenende' to a close friend is like saying 'Henceforth, I shall recount the events of my weekend' in English. It’s grammatically correct but socially awkward. Learners should stick to 'dann', 'danach', or 'als Nächstes' in casual conversation.

Preposition Choice

Don't use 'in Folgenden' (missing the 'm' for the article) or 'auf Folgenden'. It is always 'im'.

Finally, ensure that you don't over-use the phrase. While it is excellent for structure, repeating it at the beginning of every paragraph in an essay becomes repetitive and shows a lack of vocabulary range. Mix it up with synonyms like 'nachstehend', 'anschließend', or 'des Weiteren'. A good writer uses signposts effectively but sparingly to keep the reader's journey smooth and interesting. Avoid 'signpost fatigue' by varying your transitions.

To truly master im Folgenden, you need to know its 'family' of synonyms and how they differ in nuance. The most common alternative is 'nachstehend'. This is almost identical in meaning but has a slightly more 'physical' feel, often used when referring to something literally written directly below on the same page. While 'im Folgenden' can refer to the whole rest of a book, 'nachstehend' usually implies a shorter distance. It is very common in legal forms and lists.

im Folgenden vs. nachstehend

im Folgenden: General discourse marker for anything coming later.
nachstehend: More specific to things written directly below on the page.

Another important alternative is 'anschließend'. This word focuses more on the temporal sequence—one thing happening right after another. It is less about 'where' the information is in a text and more about 'when' an action occurs. For example, 'Wir essen zu Mittag und anschließend gehen wir spazieren' (We eat lunch and afterwards we go for a walk). While you could use 'im Folgenden' in a very formal speech to mean 'next', 'anschließend' is much more common in both spoken and written German for sequential actions.

For referring to things already mentioned, you would use the opposite: 'im Vorangegangenen' or 'obenstehend'. These are the 'before' counterparts to 'im Folgenden'. Knowing these pairs is essential for academic writing. If you want to say 'as mentioned above', you say 'wie oben erwähnt' or 'wie bereits dargelegt'. Using these directional markers correctly gives your German writing a professional structure that is highly valued in exams like the TestDaF or Goethe C1.

im Folgenden vs. folgendermaßen

im Folgenden: Refers to the 'what' and 'where' of future info.
folgendermaßen: Refers to the 'how'—the manner or way something is done.

Lastly, consider 'unten' and 'weiter unten'. These are the simpler, less formal versions of 'im Folgenden' or 'nachstehend'. In a casual email to a colleague, you might say 'siehe unten' (see below) instead of the more long-winded 'wie im Folgenden erläutert'. Choosing the right synonym is all about matching the register of your environment. If you are writing a thesis, use 'im Folgenden'. If you are writing a quick note, use 'unten'. Understanding these levels of formality is a key part of reaching fluency.

Summary of Alternatives

Formal: nachstehend, im Weiteren, nachfolgend.
Temporal: anschließend, daraufhin, danach.
Informal: unten, gleich.

In conclusion, while 'im Folgenden' is a powerful and necessary tool for any serious student of German, it exists within a rich ecosystem of transition words. By learning when to use it versus 'nachstehend' or 'anschließend', you demonstrate not just a knowledge of words, but a deep understanding of German linguistic etiquette and logic. This attention to detail is what separates a good speaker from a great one.