This is the 4335th most frequent German word.
folgten
"Folgten" means "followed" (past tense of "follow").
In this sentence, 'folgten' is used in the context of physically following or tracking something.
Sie folgten den Spuren im Schnee.
They followed the tracks in the snow.
Here, 'folgten' indicates adherence to a guideline or instruction.
Nach der Vorschrift folgten sie der Anweisung.
According to the regulation, they followed the instruction.
In this situation, 'folgten' refers to mentally engaging or listening to a discussion.