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.
'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
'suchen' and 'forschen' can both mean that you want to find an answer, a reason, or new information. 'suchen' is the normal, general word and fits many everyday situations. 'forschen' sounds more targeted and methodical. It is especially suitable for science or for a very thorough search for causes and hidden information. Learners may confuse the words because research is also a kind of search. But not every search is research: someone looking for their key is not 'forschen'.
Meine Schwester forscht an einer Universität nach den Ursachen dieser Krankheit.
My sister is researching the causes of this disease at a university.
Die Klasse sucht nach einer einfachen Lösung für die Aufgabe.
The class is looking for a simple solution to the task.