to explore / investigate
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to explore
To systematically investigate an unknown area or place in order to get to know it and find out more about it.
Im Urlaub wollen wir die verborgenen Buchten der Insel erkunden.
On vacation, we want to explore the island's hidden coves.
to investigate
In a more abstract or formal sense, to find out or investigate something, often by asking questions or conducting inquiries.
Der Detektiv wurde beauftragt, die Hintergründe des Falls zu erkunden.
The detective was hired to investigate the background of the case.
The prefix 'er-' is inseparable. This means it remains firmly attached to the verb in all sentence forms and is not placed at the end of the sentence.
Die Astronauten erkundeten die Oberfläche des Mondes.
The astronauts explored the surface of the moon.
The verb is made up of the prefix 'er-' and the stem 'kunden', which is related to 'kundig' (knowledgeable). The prefix 'er-' often expresses the achievement of a result. 'Erkunden' therefore means to gain knowledge about something by searching or investigating.
Wir haben den ganzen Tag die Altstadt erkundet.
We explored the old town all day.
'Erkunden' is a transitive verb and always needs an accusative object. You always explore or investigate 'etwas' (something).
Die Kinder erkundeten neugierig den alten Dachboden.
The children curiously explored the old attic.
In its literal meaning, 'erkunden' is often connected with geographical places or areas. Typical objects are: a city, an area, the surroundings, or a landscape.
Am ersten Tag haben wir die Umgebung unseres Hotels erkundet.
On the first day, we explored the area around our hotel.
In this abstract meaning, you can often recognize the use from the object. It usually refers to intangible things such as possibilities, causes, or the situation.
Das Team soll neue Möglichkeiten für den Vertrieb erkunden.
The team is supposed to investigate new possibilities for sales.
to examine / investigate
Untersuchen and erkunden can both be used to find out more about something unknown. Untersuchen means carefully examining a specific object or problem, while erkunden emphasizes gradually getting to know an unfamiliar area or place. Use untersuchen for individual features and erkunden for the area as a whole.
Die Forschenden erkunden die unbekannte Insel Schritt für Schritt.
The researchers explore the unknown island step by step.
Die Forschenden untersuchen die Bodenproben der unbekannten Insel genau.
The researchers carefully examine the soil samples from the unknown island.
