hunt / chase
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hunt
The tracking, pursuit, and killing of wild animals. This activity can be practiced as a sport, to obtain food, or to control animal populations.
Im Herbst gehen viele Jäger auf die Jagd nach Hirschen.
In autumn, many hunters go hunting for deer.
hunt / search
An intense, often hectic search for or pursuit of someone or something. This meaning is used figuratively.
Die Jagd nach einem Parkplatz in der Innenstadt kann sehr frustrierend sein.
The hunt for a parking space downtown can be very frustrating.
'Die Jagd' (the hunt) is the noun corresponding to the verb 'jagen' (to hunt/chase). A person who hunts is 'der Jäger' (the hunter). If you know the verb, you can easily figure out the meaning of the noun.
Der Jäger jagt im Wald.
The hunter hunts in the forest.
'Jagd' (hunt) is very often used in the fixed expressions 'auf die Jagd gehen' (to go hunting) or 'Jagd auf etwas machen' (to hunt for something / to go after something). This applies to both the literal and figurative meanings.
Am Wochenende gehen wir auf die Jagd.
We're going hunting this weekend.
You can tell from the context whether the literal or figurative meaning is intended. If it is about animals, the forest, or hunters, the literal hunt is meant. If it is about goals, objects, or people in everyday life, it is a figurative search.
Die Jagd auf Wildschweine ist streng reguliert.
The hunt for wild boar is strictly regulated.
In the figurative meaning, 'Jagd' (hunt) is often combined with abstract goals. Typical examples are 'die Jagd nach dem Glück' (the pursuit of happiness), 'die Jagd nach Erfolg' (the pursuit of success), or 'die Jagd nach dem besten Preis' (the hunt for the best price).
Seine Jagd nach Anerkennung bestimmt sein ganzes Leben.
His hunt for recognition determines his entire life.
pursuit / persecution
Both words can describe intensely following a person or thing. „Verfolgung“ describes this process more neutrally, while „Jagd“ emphasizes the focused, often confrontational or hectic search more strongly. Use „Verfolgung“ for an objective description; if the tension or combative pursuit should be apparent, „Jagd“ is appropriate.
Die Jagd nach dem flüchtenden Dieb dauerte bis in die Nacht.
The chase after the fleeing thief lasted into the night.
Die Verfolgung des flüchtenden Diebes dauerte bis in die Nacht.
The pursuit of the fleeing thief lasted into the night.
