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The official, usually police- or authority-led, systematic examination of rooms, vehicles, or people in order to find evidence or wanted persons.
Bei der Durchsuchung seiner Wohnung fand die Polizei das Diebesgut.
During the search of his apartment, the police found the stolen goods.
'Durchsuchung' (search) is the nominalization of the inseparable verb 'durchsuchen' (to search through). The prefix 'durch-' here emphasizes that something is searched completely and thoroughly from beginning to end.
Das Durchsuchen der Festplatte nach der verlorenen Datei war erfolgreich.
Searching the hard drive for the lost file was successful.
In this meaning, the word is used almost exclusively in legal or police language. It describes an official measure that usually requires a court order.
Die Staatsanwaltschaft ordnete die Durchsuchung der Geschäftsräume an.
The public prosecutor's office ordered the search of the business premises.
Common combinations are 'eine Durchsuchung anordnen' (to order a search) or 'durchführen' (to carry out). The object of the search is usually in the genitive or introduced with 'von' (of), e.g. 'die Durchsuchung der Wohnung' (the search of the apartment).
Für die Durchsuchung von Personen gelten strenge Regeln.
Strict rules apply to the searching of people.
This more general meaning describes systematic searching through large amounts of data. It is often found in connection with databases, archives, texts, or computer files.
Die automatische Durchsuchung von E-Mails nach Viren ist heute Standard.
The automatic searching of emails for viruses is standard today.
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'die Suche' and 'die Durchsuchung' both have to do with wanting to find something. 'die Suche' is the more general word. It fits when you are looking for a key, an apartment, a person, or even a solution. 'die Durchsuchung' sounds much more systematic and often official. It is used especially when the police carefully inspect an apartment, a car, or a person. It can also refer to thoroughly searching data or texts. Learners may confuse the words because both are about finding something. As a simple guideline: a 'Suche' can be completely normal and private; a 'Durchsuchung' is precise, planned, and often official.
Bei der Durchsuchung der Wohnung fand die Polizei wichtige Unterlagen.
During the search of the apartment, the police found important documents.
Nach der Arbeit begann die Suche nach meinem verlorenen Schlüssel.
After work, the search for my lost key began.