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
herausfinden
to find one's way out
To find the way out of a place or a confusing situation.
EXAMPLE
Nachdem er sich im Wald verlaufen hatte, brauchte er Stunden, um wieder herauszufinden.
After he got lost in the forest, it took him hours to find his way out again.
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 erfahren
to learn / experience
Erfahren and herausfinden can both result in someone learning information. Erfahren emphasizes that the information becomes known through a notification or message, whereas herausfinden highlights the person's own search, questions, or thinking. When someone informs you, erfahren is the right word; when you determine the answer yourself, herausfinden is the right word.
herausfinden
Ich fand den neuen Termin durch Nachfragen selbst heraus.
I found out the new date myself by asking around.
erfahren
Ich erfuhr den neuen Termin durch eine Nachricht von meiner Kollegin.
I learned about the new date from a message from my colleague.
In real life
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