manhunt / search
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manhunt / search
The systematic, organized search by the police or other authorities for a person suspected of having committed a crime, or for a missing person.
Nach dem Banküberfall wurde sofort eine Fahndung nach den Tätern eingeleitet.
After the bank robbery, a manhunt for the perpetrators was launched immediately.
The noun 'die Fahndung' (manhunt/search) belongs to the verb 'fahnden' (to search for/want). Both words are mainly used in the context of police and crime and describe an organized search.
Die Polizei fahndet nach dem geflohenen Häftling.
The police are searching for the escaped prisoner.
In a police context, there are fixed expressions: the police can 'eine Fahndung einleiten' (launch a manhunt), 'eine Person zur Fahndung ausschreiben' (put out a search notice for a person), or carry out an 'erfolgreiche Fahndung' (successful manhunt/search).
Nach dem Raub wurde sofort eine landesweite Fahndung eingeleitet.
After the robbery, a nationwide manhunt was launched immediately.
The search is always directed 'nach' (for) a person or thing. This construction uses the dative: 'die Fahndung nach dem Täter' (the manhunt for the perpetrator).
Die Fahndung nach der vermissten Person war bisher erfolglos.
The search for the missing person has so far been unsuccessful.
In a figurative sense, 'Fahndung' (search) describes a very intensive, almost desperate search in non-police everyday life. This usage emphasizes the great effort involved in the search.
Die Fahndung nach einer bezahlbaren Wohnung in der Stadt ist schwierig.
The search for an affordable apartment in the city is difficult.
search
'die Suche' and 'die Fahndung' both describe that someone or something is supposed to be found. 'die Suche' is the normal general word and fits almost all everyday situations. 'die Fahndung' is much more specific: it usually refers to an organized search by the police or authorities, for example for a suspect or a missing person. You can also use 'Fahndung' figuratively for a very intensive search, but that sounds stronger. Learners may confuse the words because both mean a search. For normal situations, 'Suche' is right; for the police and authorities, 'Fahndung' fits.
Nach dem Bankraub lief die Fahndung nach dem Täter die ganze Nacht.
After the bank robbery, the manhunt for the perpetrator went on all night.
Wegen des starken Regens brach die Familie die Suche nach dem Hund ab.
Because of the heavy rain, the family called off the search for the dog.