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.
research
Recherche and Nachforschung both refer to a systematic search for information. Recherche is broader and is commonly used for collecting and evaluating information from various sources. Nachforschung is more focused on unknown facts about a specific matter and is often used in the plural.
Durch Nachforschungen klärt die Journalistin, wer das wichtige Dokument unterschrieben hat.
Through investigations, the journalist finds out who signed the important document.
Für den Artikel sammelt die Journalistin bei ihrer Recherche Informationen aus mehreren Quellen.
The journalist is gathering information from several sources as part of her research for the article.
