01
herausfinden
to find out
To discover information or a solution by thinking, asking, or searching; to learn something.
example
Ich muss noch herausfinden, wie dieses Gerät funktioniert.
I still need to find out how this device works.
herausfinden
to find out
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Herausfinden' (to find out) is a separable verb with the prefix 'heraus' (out). In a main clause, the prefix goes at the end, while in a subordinate clause and in the infinitive with 'zu', it remains attached to the verb.
EXAMPLE
Ich finde schnell heraus, wo wir uns treffen können.
I quickly find out where we can meet.
Use with subordinate clause
In the meaning 'entdecken' (to discover), 'herausfinden' (to find out) is very often combined with a subordinate clause. This clause frequently begins with a question word (wie, was, ob, warum — how, what, whether, why) or with 'dass' (that).
EXAMPLE
Finden Sie bitte heraus, ob das Büro morgen geöffnet ist.
Please find out whether the office is open tomorrow.
Typical collocations
Common things that one 'herausfindet' (finds out) are abstract pieces of information. Typical combinations are 'die Wahrheit herausfinden' (to find out the truth), 'ein Geheimnis herausfinden' (to find out a secret), or 'den Grund herausfinden' (to find out the reason).
EXAMPLE
Der Detektiv konnte den wahren Grund für das Verbrechen herausfinden.
The detective was able to find out the real reason for the crime.
Literal meaning
This meaning is to be understood literally: to 'finden' (find) the way 'heraus' (out) of a place. It is always used in connection with a physical place such as a building, a forest, or a maze.
EXAMPLE
Er hat sich im großen Einkaufszentrum verlaufen und findet nicht mehr heraus.
He got lost in the large shopping center and can't find his way out anymore.
Compare with
herausfinden vs Erfahrung
experience
'die Erfahrung' and 'herausfinden' are connected here through the fixed expression 'etwas in Erfahrung bringen' (to find something out). This expression means almost the same as 'etwas herausfinden': you get information by asking, searching, or thinking. 'herausfinden' is more direct and more common in everyday language. 'in Erfahrung bringen' sounds somewhat more formal and fits well when you are deliberately obtaining a piece of information, for example from an authority, at the office, or before making a decision.
herausfinden
Meine Mutter hat im Internet herausgefunden, wann der Arzt geöffnet hat.
My mother found out online when the doctor's office was open.
Erfahrung
Ich möchte vor dem Termin in Erfahrung bringen, welche Unterlagen ich brauche.
Before the appointment, I would like to find out which documents I need.
In real life
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