In German as well as in English the present participle can be used as an adverb or adjective.

Examples for adverbial use     Schreiend liefen sie durch die Straßen. = Screaming they ran through the streets.   Heulend erzählte sie mir, was passiert war. = Crying she told me what had happened.

Examples for adjectival use     Rauchende Eltern sind eine Gefahr für ihre Kinder. = Smoking parents are a danger for their children.   Schlafende Hunde soll man nicht wecken. = One should not wake up sleeping hounds.