to visit / to seek out
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to visit
To deliberately visit a person or place, often for a specific reason such as advice, help, or an official matter.
Bei starken Schmerzen sollten Sie einen Arzt aufsuchen.
If you have severe pain, you should visit a doctor.
to seek out
To specifically search for and find someone or something. This meaning is somewhat more formal or literary.
Die Polizei musste den Zeugen in einer anderen Stadt aufsuchen.
The police had to seek out the witness in another city.
'Aufsuchen' is a separable verb. The prefix 'auf-' goes at the end of the sentence in a main clause.
Wegen meiner Rückenschmerzen suche ich morgen einen Spezialisten auf.
Because of my back pain, I am going to see a specialist tomorrow.
'Aufsuchen' belongs to a more formal register. It is used when you visit a place or person for a specific, often serious or official reason.
Sie mussten das zuständige Amt aufsuchen, um den Antrag zu stellen.
They had to visit the responsible office in order to submit the application.
This verb is often combined with people or institutions from whom you hope to get help or a service. Typical phrases are: 'einen Arzt aufsuchen' (to see a doctor), 'einen Anwalt aufsuchen' (to consult a lawyer), 'eine Praxis aufsuchen' (to visit a medical practice), or also 'die Toilette aufsuchen' (to visit/use the toilet).
Bei rechtlichen Fragen ist es ratsam, einen Anwalt aufzusuchen.
For legal questions, it is advisable to consult a lawyer.
to visit
You can besuchen or aufsuchen a person or place. „Besuchen“ emphasizes being there or spending time together, while „aufsuchen“ emphasizes deliberately going somewhere for a specific reason. Use „aufsuchen“ especially for advice, help, or an official matter.
Ich suche die Beratungsstelle auf, um Hilfe bei meinem Antrag zu bekommen.
I am going to the advice center to get help with my application.
Ich besuche meine Tante am Sonntag, um Zeit mit ihr zu verbringen.
I am visiting my aunt on Sunday to spend time with her.
