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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.
search
The thorough and systematic searching of something, for example a database or a text, for specific information or objects.
Die Durchsuchung der alten Akten nach dem fehlenden Dokument dauerte mehrere Stunden.
The search through the old files for the missing document took several hours.
'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.
control / check
During a Kontrolle, the police check whether rules or requirements are being met, for example whether valid documents are available. A Durchsuchung is a systematic search in which they look for hidden objects or evidence. The decisive factor is therefore the specific purpose of the action.
Bei der Durchsuchung sucht die Polizei im Fahrzeug systematisch nach dem gestohlenen Schmuck.
During the search, the police systematically search the vehicle for the stolen jewelry.
Bei der Kontrolle prüft die Polizei den Führerschein und die Fahrzeugpapiere.
During the check, the police inspect the driver's license and the vehicle documents.
