investigation / determination
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investigation
The official examination of a matter, especially by authorities such as the police or the public prosecutor's office, in order to find facts or responsible persons. Often used in the plural.
Die Polizei hat die Ermittlungen in dem Fall aufgenommen.
The police have opened the investigation into the case.
'Die Ermittlung' (the investigation/determination) comes from the verb 'ermitteln' (to determine/investigate). If you know the verb, you also understand the noun: it is about finding out or determining something.
Die Polizei ermittelt den Täter.
The police are investigating the perpetrator.
The context makes the meaning clear: if it is about the police, a crime, or a case, it means an investigation. If it is about numbers, data, or costs, it means a calculation.
Die Ermittlung im Fall des Diebstahls dauert an.
The investigation in the theft case is ongoing.
In the meaning 'police investigation', the plural 'die Ermittlungen' (the investigations) is almost always used. The singular is very rare in this context.
Die Staatsanwaltschaft hat die Ermittlungen eingestellt.
The public prosecutor's office has closed the investigation.
In connection with police investigations, 'Ermittlungen' (investigations) is often combined with the verbs 'aufnehmen' (to open/resume), 'einleiten' (to initiate), 'führen' (to conduct), or 'einstellen' (to close/discontinue).
Nach dem Hinweis eines Zeugen wurden die Ermittlungen wieder aufgenommen.
After a witness's tip, the investigation was resumed.
In the meaning 'calculation', a genitive or 'von' + dative often follows in order to specify exactly what is being calculated or determined.
Die Ermittlung des richtigen Preises ist sehr komplex.
Determining the right price is very complex.
search
'die Suche' and 'die Ermittlung' both have to do with wanting to find something or find something out. 'die Suche' is more general and fits many everyday situations, for example with a key, an apartment, or a person. 'die Ermittlung' sounds more official and usually means an investigation by the police, the public prosecutor's office, or other authorities. Learners may confuse the words because investigations often also involve searching. In practical terms: private individuals usually search; authorities investigate.
Nach dem Einbruch begann die Polizei sofort mit der Ermittlung.
After the break-in, the police immediately began the investigation.
Nach zwei Stunden Suche fand Tom sein Handy unter dem Autositz.
After two hours of searching, Tom found his phone under the car seat.