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
'finden' and 'auffinden' can both mean that you discover something or someone, often after a search. 'finden' is the normal everyday word and fits in almost any situation. 'auffinden' sounds more formal and is often used in reports, by the police, or in official texts. In everyday life, people usually say 'finden', while 'auffinden' sounds more precise or more official.
Die Polizei hat den vermissten Rucksack am Bahnhof aufgefunden.
The police located the missing backpack at the train station.
Selma findet am Abend endlich ihr Handy auf dem Sofa.
In the evening, Selma finally finds her phone on the sofa.