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.
search
In a figurative sense, an intensive search for someone or something in a non-police context.
Die Fahndung des Unternehmens nach einem neuen Geschäftsführer war endlich erfolgreich.
The company's search for a new managing director was finally successful.
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 can both refer to deliberately finding a missing person. Suche is neutral and general, while Fahndung refers to an organized search by the police or other authorities. In a private context, Suche is usually appropriate; in an official context, use Fahndung.
Die Polizei leitete eine Fahndung nach dem vermissten Kind ein.
The police launched an official search for the missing child.
Die Familie begann sofort die Suche nach dem vermissten Kind.
The family immediately began searching for the missing child.
