hinterherhinken

This is a separable verb. That means the hinterher part flies to the end of the sentence. For example: 'Ich hinke dem Trend hinterher.' You usually use it with the dative case. You are lagging behind *something* (dem Zeitplan, der Konkurrenz). It sounds very natural in both speech and writing. Just remember to split it unless it's at the end of a subordinate clause!

Use it when you feel overwhelmed by a pace. In a meeting, use it if a project is late. If you're texting a friend about a TV show everyone has seen but you, it fits perfectly. It’s great for talking about technology or fashion. If your parents still use a fax machine, they are definitely hinterherhinken. It adds a bit of visual flavor to your description of being late.

Don't use it for a simple one-time lateness. If you are 5 minutes late for coffee, you are zu spät. You aren't hinterherhinken. This phrase implies a process or a continuous state of being behind. Also, avoid it in very tragic contexts. Since it contains the word for 'limp,' using it for someone with a serious physical injury might sound insensitive unless you mean it literally.

Germans are famous for their love of efficiency and punctuality. Because of this, hinterherhinken carries a bit of a 'get it together' vibe. In German news, you will constantly hear it regarding 'Digitalisierung' (digitization). There is a national anxiety about Germany lagging behind other countries in tech. Using this word taps into that very German fear of losing your competitive edge.

You might hear hinterher sein, which is simpler but less descriptive. Another one is zurückbleiben, which just means to stay behind. If you want to sound more formal, you could use im Rückstand sein. But hinterherhinken is the most colorful way to say it. It paints a picture of the struggle to catch up.