investigation
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investigation
A systematic investigation or research process to collect information and find out facts about a specific matter. It is very often used in the plural.
Die Polizei stellte umfangreiche Nachforschungen zum Verbleib der vermissten Person an.
The police conducted extensive investigations into the whereabouts of the missing person.
The word consists of the prefix 'nach-' and the noun 'Forschung' (research). The prefix 'nach-' suggests that you are following a matter or trail, that is, 'hinterherforscht' (researching/following up).
Die Journalistin begann ihre Nachforschung mit einem Interview.
The journalist began her investigation with an interview.
This word is almost always used in the plural, 'Nachforschungen' (investigations), because an investigation usually consists of many individual steps.
Nach langen Nachforschungen fand er seine Vorfahren in einem alten Kirchenbuch.
After long investigations, he found his ancestors in an old church register.
A very common and fixed expression is 'Nachforschungen anstellen' (to conduct investigations). This is a formal way of saying that you are starting or carrying out an investigation.
Die Detektivin musste weitere Nachforschungen anstellen, um den Fall zu lösen.
The detective had to conduct further investigations to solve the case.
To indicate the topic of the investigation, you use the prepositions 'zu' (with dative) or 'über' (with accusative).
Er stellte Nachforschungen zu seiner Familiengeschichte an.
He conducted investigations into his family history.
search
'die Suche' and 'die Nachforschung' both have to do with finding something. 'die Suche' is more general and can be very concrete: you look for a key, a person, or an apartment. 'die Nachforschung' is more about collecting information and trying to clarify a matter. The word is often used in the plural: 'Nachforschungen'. Learners may confuse the words because investigations also involve searching. If it is about an object or a goal, 'Suche' usually fits. If you want to find out background information or facts, 'Nachforschung' fits better.
Nach einigen Nachforschungen fand meine Mutter heraus, woher der alte Brief stammt.
After some investigation, my mother found out where the old letter came from.
In der Küche helfen alle bei der Suche nach dem verlorenen Ring.
In the kitchen, everyone helps with the search for the lost ring.