to locate
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to locate
To find or discover someone or something after a search. Often used in formal or official contexts such as police reports.
Die Bergwacht konnte den vermissten Wanderer am späten Abend unversehrt auffinden.
The mountain rescue service was able to locate the missing hiker unharmed late in the evening.
'Auffinden' is a separable verb. The prefix 'auf' separates from the verb in a main clause and comes at the end of the sentence. In subordinate clauses and infinitive constructions, the verb stays together.
Die Polizei fand die gestohlenen Juwelen in einem Versteck auf.
The police located the stolen jewels in a hiding place.
This verb is mainly used in formal or official contexts. You often read or hear it in police reports, news reports, or academic texts.
Archäologen konnten an der Ausgrabungsstätte wertvolle Artefakte auffinden.
Archaeologists were able to locate valuable artifacts at the excavation site.
Things or people that had previously been searched for or had disappeared are often 'aufgefunden' (found/located). Typical objects are: a missing person, a lost object, traces, or evidence.
Der Schlüssel wurde schließlich unter dem Sofa aufgefunden.
The key was finally found under the sofa.
to find
Both words mean finding something after a search. Finden is the usual, neutral choice, while auffinden emphasizes the successful completion of the search and is especially common in formal or official reports. In everyday language, finden is usually enough; a report may use auffinden.
Nach langer Suche konnten die Helfer den vermissten Jungen im Park auffinden.
After a long search, the helpers were able to locate the missing boy in the park.
Nach langer Suche fanden die Helfer den vermissten Jungen im Park.
After a long search, the helpers found the missing boy in the park.
