to research
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to research
To search systematically and methodically for new knowledge in a scientific field; to carry out scientific investigations.
Die Biologin forscht an den Auswirkungen des Klimawandels auf Korallenriffe.
The biologist is researching the effects of climate change on coral reefs.
to search for
To search intensively and deliberately for something, especially a cause, a reason, or hidden information.
Die Detektive forschen noch immer nach dem Motiv für die Tat.
The detectives are still searching for the motive for the crime.
'Forschen' (to research) is the verb in the word family around 'die Forschung' (research / scientific investigation) and 'der Forscher' (researcher, the person who researches). If you know one of these words, you can understand the others more easily.
Die Forschung zu diesem Thema ist noch nicht abgeschlossen.
The research on this topic has not yet been completed.
The preposition after 'forschen' (to research) changes the meaning. 'Forschen an' (+ dative) means to work on a scientific topic. 'Forschen nach' (+ dative) means to search deliberately for something specific, often also outside of science.
Sie forscht an einem neuen Medikament gegen Krebs.
She is researching a new drug against cancer.
In a scientific context, 'forschen' (to research) is often combined with places or fields. Typical phrases are 'an einer Universität forschen' (to research at a university) or 'auf einem Gebiet forschen' (to research in a field).
Er forscht auf dem Gebiet der künstlichen Intelligenz.
He is researching in the field of artificial intelligence.
to search / look for
Both words can express finding an unknown cause. „Suchen“ refers to the general attempt to find an answer, while „forschen“ emphasizes an intensive, targeted, and scientific investigation. Use „suchen“ for a general search and „forschen“ when the goal is to gain scientific knowledge.
Das Forschungsteam forscht nach der Ursache für die Krankheit.
The research team is researching the cause of the disease.
Das Team sucht nach der Ursache für den Fehler.
The team is looking for the cause of the error.
