auf der Suche sein
To be searching
Littéralement: on the search to be
Use this phrase to describe a continuous search for something specific, from keys to a new career.
En 15 secondes
- Used to describe being in the process of searching for something.
- Always pairs with 'nach' to specify the object of the search.
- Works for both physical items and abstract life goals.
Signification
This phrase is used when you are looking for something or someone. It is like saying you are 'on a quest' or 'in the process of finding' something, whether it is your lost keys or a new job.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Looking for a seat in a crowded cafe
Ich bin auf der Suche nach einem freien Tisch.
I am looking for a free table.
In a job interview
Ich bin auf der Suche nach einer neuen beruflichen Herausforderung.
I am looking for a new professional challenge.
Texting a friend about a lost item
Bin immer noch auf der Suche nach meinem Schlüssel. Nervig!
Still searching for my key. Annoying!
Contexte culturel
The phrase reflects the German 'Bildungsroman' tradition where characters go on a journey of self-discovery. It is also a staple in the modern German housing and job markets, which are notoriously competitive. Being 'auf der Suche' is a common social status for young professionals in cities like Berlin or Munich.
The 'Nach' Rule
Always remember that 'nach' triggers the dative case. So 'der Tisch' becomes 'einem Tisch'.
The 'Wohnungssuche' Struggle
In big German cities, being 'auf der Suche nach einer Wohnung' is practically a full-time job and a common conversation starter.
En 15 secondes
- Used to describe being in the process of searching for something.
- Always pairs with 'nach' to specify the object of the search.
- Works for both physical items and abstract life goals.
What It Means
Auf der Suche sein is your go-to phrase for any kind of hunting. It describes a state of searching rather than the quick action of looking. Think of it as being 'in search mode.' You can use it for physical objects like your phone. You can also use it for abstract things like happiness or a soulmate. It sounds a bit more active and intentional than just saying you are looking.
How To Use It
Grammar-wise, it is very simple. You use the verb sein (to be) and conjugate it for the person. Then you add auf der Suche. If you want to say what you are looking for, add the word nach followed by the object in the dative case. For example: Ich bin auf der Suche nach Kaffee. You are basically saying, 'I am currently on the hunt for caffeine.' It is a stable block of words that does not change much.
When To Use It
Use this when the search feels like a project. If you are browsing a menu at a restaurant, you are auf der Suche after the perfect meal. If you are at a party and cannot find your friend, tell someone you are auf der Suche nach Max. It works perfectly in professional settings too. You might be auf der Suche nach einer neuen Herausforderung (searching for a new challenge) during a job interview. It sounds motivated and focused.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for a quick glance. If you just look out the window, that is not a Suche. Also, avoid it if you are staring at something you have already found. If you are actively digging through a drawer, the verb suchen is more direct. Auf der Suche sein implies a bit of a journey. Do not use it if you are 'looking forward' to something; that is a completely different phrase in German!
Cultural Background
Germans love being precise. This phrase reflects that. It distinguishes between the act of looking (suchen) and the state of being a seeker (auf der Suche sein). There is a famous German literary tradition of the 'seeker'—someone looking for truth or meaning. Even in modern life, Germans take their 'searches' seriously, whether it is for the best organic bread or the right apartment in a crowded city.
Common Variations
Sometimes you will hear people say they are fündig geworden. This means their search was successful. If you are still looking, you might say you are immer noch auf der Suche. If you want to sound more poetic, you could say you are auf der Suche nach dem Glück. In casual texting, you might just drop the 'ich bin' and write Bin auf der Suche nach... followed by an emoji. It is a versatile tool for your German toolkit.
Notes d'usage
This phrase is incredibly stable across all regions of Germany. It is safe to use in both formal and informal registers without sounding out of place.
The 'Nach' Rule
Always remember that 'nach' triggers the dative case. So 'der Tisch' becomes 'einem Tisch'.
The 'Wohnungssuche' Struggle
In big German cities, being 'auf der Suche nach einer Wohnung' is practically a full-time job and a common conversation starter.
Don't confuse with 'besuchen'
Searching (suchen) is not visiting (besuchen). If you say you are 'auf der Suche' after your grandma, you've lost her; you aren't visiting her!
Exemples
6Ich bin auf der Suche nach einem freien Tisch.
I am looking for a free table.
A polite way to explain why you are wandering around.
Ich bin auf der Suche nach einer neuen beruflichen Herausforderung.
I am looking for a new professional challenge.
Standard professional phrasing for career changes.
Bin immer noch auf der Suche nach meinem Schlüssel. Nervig!
Still searching for my key. Annoying!
Casual and relatable for daily mishaps.
Entschuldigung, ich bin auf der Suche nach dem Gastgeber.
Excuse me, I am looking for the host.
Helpful for navigating social gatherings.
Ich bin auf der Suche nach der großen Liebe... oder Pizza.
I am looking for true love... or pizza.
A classic humorous contrast.
Eigentlich bin ich nur auf der Suche nach ein bisschen Ruhe.
Actually, I'm just looking for a bit of peace.
Used for emotional or personal needs.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence to say you are looking for your dog.
Ich bin auf der Suche ___ meinem Hund.
The preposition 'nach' is always used with 'auf der Suche sein' to indicate the object.
Select the correct form of the verb 'to be' for 'we'.
Wir ___ auf der Suche nach einem Parkplatz.
'Wir sind' is the correct plural form for 'we are'.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Scale
Texting friends about lost socks.
Bin auf der Suche!
Asking a clerk for help.
Ich bin auf der Suche nach...
Business meetings or interviews.
Wir sind auf der Suche nach Partnern.
Where to use 'Auf der Suche sein'
Real Estate
Suche nach einer Wohnung
Shopping
Suche nach einem Geschenk
Dating
Suche nach einem Partner
Daily Life
Suche nach dem Handy
Questions fréquentes
10 questions'Suchen' is the direct verb for 'to look for.' 'Auf der Suche sein' describes the state of being a seeker, often implying a longer or more involved process.
Yes, absolutely! You can say Ich bin auf der Suche nach meiner Schwester if you lost her in a crowd.
Yes, it is very common in professional emails, like Wir sind auf der Suche nach neuen Talenten (We are looking for new talent).
You always use nach. For example: auf der Suche nach Hilfe.
No, in this phrase, Suche stays exactly as it is because it follows the preposition auf der.
No, it is neutral and can be used in any setting, from a bar to a boardroom.
You would say Ich habe es gefunden or Ich bin fündig geworden.
Yes, you can be auf der Suche nach einer Datei (searching for a file) on your computer.
The dative case always follows nach. Example: nach einem (Dative) Job.
You can just use the verb suchen. Instead of Ich bin auf der Suche, just say Ich suche.
Expressions liées
Suchen und Finden
Fündig werden
Etwas durchsuchen
Die Suche aufgeben
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