nachforschen
To investigate
Literally: To search after
Use `nachforschen` when you need to play detective to uncover facts, details, or the truth.
In 15 Seconds
- To investigate or dig deeper into a specific matter.
- More intense than just searching; it implies seeking hidden facts.
- Works perfectly in both professional and serious personal contexts.
Meaning
This word describes the act of digging deeper into a topic to find out the truth or gather more details. It is like being a detective on a small scale, whether you are checking a facts or looking for a lost package.
Key Examples
3 of 6At the office regarding a missing file
Ich werde im Archiv nachforschen, wo die Akte geblieben ist.
I will investigate in the archive to see where the file went.
Talking to a friend about a rumor
Das klingt seltsam, ich muss da mal nachforschen.
That sounds strange, I need to look into that.
Dealing with a late delivery
Die Post muss nachforschen, warum das Paket nicht ankam.
The post office must investigate why the package didn't arrive.
Cultural Background
The word reflects the German 'Ordnungsliebe' or love for order. It suggests that every problem has a logical solution if you dig deep enough. It became a staple in bureaucratic and scientific German during the 19th-century enlightenment.
The 'Nach' Secret
The prefix 'nach-' often implies following a trail. Think of it as 'searching along the path' left by the information.
Don't over-detective
If you are just looking for your glasses on your head, don't use this. You'll sound like you're starting a murder mystery.
In 15 Seconds
- To investigate or dig deeper into a specific matter.
- More intense than just searching; it implies seeking hidden facts.
- Works perfectly in both professional and serious personal contexts.
What It Means
Nachforschen is all about active investigation. It is more than just looking for something. You are seeking answers or hidden information. Think of it as 'researching' but with a more active, inquisitive edge. It implies that the answer is not immediately visible. You have to put in some effort to find it.
How To Use It
You use it as a verb. It often stands alone or takes a prepositional object with nach. For example: Ich muss nachforschen. It is a separable verb in some contexts, but usually, you see it as one piece. Use it when you are playing detective. It works for lost mail or complex science. It feels proactive and intelligent.
When To Use It
Use it when a mystery needs solving. Use it at work when a report is missing. Use it when a friend tells a weird story and you want the truth. It is perfect for professional emails. It also fits when you are curious about your family history. It sounds much more thorough than just suchen (to search).
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for simple physical searches. If you lost your keys on the sofa, do not say nachforschen. That is just suchen. Do not use it for casual browsing. If you are just looking at shoes online, this word is too heavy. It sounds like a police investigation if used for trivial things. Avoid it for 'googling' a quick recipe.
Cultural Background
Germans value thoroughness and 'Gründlichkeit'. Nachforschen reflects this cultural trait perfectly. It suggests you are not satisfied with surface-level answers. Historically, it links to the German tradition of deep academic inquiry. It is the word of a society that loves rules, logic, and finding the root cause. It is a very 'reliable' sounding word.
Common Variations
You will often hear Nachforschung as a noun. People say Nachforschungen anstellen. This means 'to conduct investigations'. It sounds a bit more official. Another variation is hinterherforschen. This is slightly more informal. It implies following a trail or even 'snooping' a little bit. Stick to nachforschen for a balanced, smart tone.
Usage Notes
It is a versatile B2-level word that bridges the gap between casual curiosity and formal investigation. It is safe to use in almost any situation where 'looking into something' is required.
The 'Nach' Secret
The prefix 'nach-' often implies following a trail. Think of it as 'searching along the path' left by the information.
Don't over-detective
If you are just looking for your glasses on your head, don't use this. You'll sound like you're starting a murder mystery.
Bureaucracy Buddy
If a German official says they will 'nachforschen', it's a good sign. It means they are actually opening a file and looking into it.
Examples
6Ich werde im Archiv nachforschen, wo die Akte geblieben ist.
I will investigate in the archive to see where the file went.
Shows professional initiative.
Das klingt seltsam, ich muss da mal nachforschen.
That sounds strange, I need to look into that.
Used for social curiosity.
Die Post muss nachforschen, warum das Paket nicht ankam.
The post office must investigate why the package didn't arrive.
Standard phrase for lost items.
Wer hat meinen Joghurt gegessen? Ich werde nachforschen!
Who ate my yogurt? I shall investigate!
Playfully dramatic.
Er will über seine Vorfahren in Polen nachforschen.
He wants to research his ancestors in Poland.
Used for genealogical research.
Wir werden den Vorfall intern genau nachforschen.
We will investigate the incident internally in detail.
Very formal and reassuring.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb form for a professional setting.
Könnten Sie bitte dem Verbleib der Zahlung ___?
In a professional context involving a missing payment, 'nachforschen' is the most precise word for 'investigating'.
Complete the sentence about a curious friend.
Ich bin neugierig und will ___, was passiert ist.
The infinitive 'nachforschen' is needed after the modal construction 'will'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of Nachforschen
Checking a rumor with friends.
Ich forsch mal nach.
Standard use for lost items or facts.
Ich muss nachforschen.
Official investigations or research.
Wir werden gründlich nachforschen.
When to use Nachforschen
Lost Package
Wo ist mein Paket?
Family History
Wer war mein Uropa?
Work Error
Warum fehlt das Geld?
Scientific Fact
Stimmt diese Theorie?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, suchen is general searching, like looking for keys. nachforschen is investigating or researching a deeper issue.
Only if the search is deep. For a quick fact, use nachschlagen (look up) or googeln. For deep research, nachforschen fits.
Yes, it can be. For example: Ich forsche der Sache nach. However, it is very common in its infinitive form.
It can, but it is not exclusive to them. Journalists, scientists, and even curious neighbors use it.
It usually takes nach plus the dative case, as in nach der Ursache nachforschen (investigate the cause).
Not at all. If you use it with friends, it just sounds like you are being thorough or slightly serious about a topic.
Yes, if you are investigating someone's background, but be careful—it can sound like you're spying!
The noun is die Nachforschung, usually used in the plural: Nachforschungen anstellen.
Yes, recherchieren is very similar but is used more specifically for journalism or academic data collection.
Don't confuse it with finden. Nachforschen is the process, not the result of finding the object.
Related Phrases
untersuchen (to examine/investigate)
ermitteln (to investigate - police style)
recherchieren (to research)
nachhaken (to follow up/dig deeper)
auf den Grund gehen (to get to the bottom of something)
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