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.
'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.
search
'die Suche' and 'die Jagd' can both describe wanting to find or get something. 'die Suche' is neutral and fits many situations: you search for a key, an apartment, a person, or a solution. 'die Jagd' sounds much stronger and often more hectic. In a figurative sense, it is used when someone is very intensely after something, for example a bargain or a criminal. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with searching. But 'Jagd' does not fit every normal search; it emphasizes pressure, hurry, or pursuit.
Vor Weihnachten wird die Jagd nach günstigen Geschenken oft sehr stressig.
Before Christmas, the hunt for affordable gifts often becomes very stressful.
Nach der Arbeit beginnt die Suche nach einer neuen Wohnung.
After work, the search for a new apartment begins.