discovery site
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discovery site
The exact place where something was found. The term is used especially in archaeology, paleontology, or criminology.
Der Fundort des Dinosaurierskeletts wurde weiträumig abgesperrt.
The discovery site of the dinosaur skeleton was cordoned off over a wide area.
The word is a compound made up of 'der Fund' (find/discovery) and 'der Ort' (place). 'Der Fund' comes from the verb 'finden' (to find). A 'Fundort' is therefore literally the 'place of a find.'
Die Polizei brachte Spürhunde zum Fundort.
The police brought tracking dogs to the discovery site.
Very often, 'Fundort' (discovery site) is followed by a noun in the genitive that describes exactly what was found. Alternatively, the preposition 'von' with the dative is used.
Der Fundort des Wikingerschatzes wird geheim gehalten.
The discovery site of the Viking treasure is being kept secret.
In the context of criminology or archaeology, 'Fundort' (discovery site) is often combined with certain verbs, for example 'absperren' (to cordon off), 'sichern' (to secure), 'untersuchen' (to examine), or 'dokumentieren' (to document).
Die Archäologen dokumentierten den Fundort sehr genau.
The archaeologists documented the discovery site very precisely.
crime scene
'der Tatort' and 'der Fundort' can both appear in police reports, so they are easy to confuse. 'der Tatort' is the place where a criminal offense happened: the crime scene. 'der Fundort' is the place where something was found, for example an object, a bone, or a piece of evidence: the discovery site. This can be the same place, but it does not have to be. The important question is: Is it about the act or crime itself? Then you say 'Tatort'. Is it about where something was discovered? Then you say 'Fundort'.
Der Fundort der alten Münze wurde genau auf der Karte markiert.
The discovery site of the old coin was marked precisely on the map.
Am Tatort fand die Polizei mehrere wichtige Hinweise.
At the crime scene, the police found several important clues.