01
einer Sache nachgehen
to pursue
To engage in a particular activity, hobby, or profession.
example
In seiner Freizeit geht er dem Angeln nach.
In his free time, he pursues fishing.
nachgehen
to pursue / follow up
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 04
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Nachgehen' (to pursue / follow up) is a separable verb. The prefix 'nach-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and infinitive constructions, the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Er geht seiner Leidenschaft für die Fotografie nach.
He pursues his passion for photography.
Dative construction
In most meanings, 'nachgehen' (to pursue / follow up) requires the dative. You go after 'einer Sache' (a thing) or 'jemandem' (someone), not 'eine Sache' or 'jemanden'.
EXAMPLE
Der Detektiv geht einer neuen Spur nach.
The detective is following up a new lead.
Typical collocations
When it is about activities, 'nachgehen' (to pursue) is often combined with 'einem Hobby' (a hobby), 'einer Tätigkeit' (an activity), 'einer Leidenschaft' (a passion), or 'seinem Beruf' (one's profession).
EXAMPLE
Nach der Arbeit geht sie ihrer Leidenschaft, dem Malen, nach.
After work, she pursues her passion, painting.
Typical collocations
In the context of investigations, 'nachgehen' (to follow up) is often used with 'einem Hinweis' (a lead), 'einer Spur' (a trail/lead), 'einem Verdacht' (a suspicion), or 'einer Frage' (a question).
EXAMPLE
Die Journalistin will der Sache weiter nachgehen.
The journalist wants to follow up the matter further.
Context clue: time
You can recognize this meaning by the fact that the subject of the sentence is a clock, watch, or another timekeeping device. Here the verb is used without an object.
EXAMPLE
Die alte Bahnhofsuhr geht schon seit Jahren nach.
The old station clock has been running slow for years.
Context clue: person
In the meaning 'folgen' (to follow), 'nachgehen' (to follow someone) always appears with a person (or an animal) in the dative. It describes concrete, physical movement.
EXAMPLE
Der Hund ging seinem Besitzer überallhin nach.
The dog followed its owner everywhere.
Compare with
nachgehen vs folgen
to follow
'folgen' and 'nachgehen' can both mean that someone goes after a person or follows a trail. 'folgen' is the normal word when you move behind someone. 'jemandem nachgehen' can also mean this, but it often sounds more purposeful or observant. In addition, 'einer Sache nachgehen' often means to investigate something, for example a lead or a question. Learners may confuse the words because both express a direction behind someone or something. For simply going after someone, 'folgen' is usually more natural. For investigating or following up on something, 'nachgehen' fits better.
nachgehen
Die Polizei geht einem neuen Hinweis nach.
The police are following up on a new lead.
folgen
Du folgst einfach dem Weg bis zur Brücke.
You simply follow the path to the bridge.
In real life
Loading video examples...