forensics / crime scene investigation
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forensics
The activity of searching for, collecting, and documenting physical traces (e.g., fingerprints, DNA) at a crime scene in order to solve a crime.
Die Spurensicherung am Tatort dauerte die ganze Nacht.
The forensics work at the crime scene lasted the whole night.
The word is made up of 'die Spuren' (traces, plural of Spur, e.g., fingerprints) and 'die Sicherung' (securing, protecting). So it describes the securing of evidence traces.
Die Spurensicherung ist ein wichtiger Teil der Polizeiarbeit.
Forensics is an important part of police work.
The noun 'die Spurensicherung' is derived directly from the activity 'Spuren sichern' (to secure traces/evidence). So it is easy to imagine the action behind it.
Die Polizei muss am Tatort sorgfältig alle Spuren sichern.
The police must carefully secure all evidence at the crime scene.
You can tell whether the activity or the team is meant from the verb. If 'die Spurensicherung' performs an action (e.g., 'trifft ein' (arrives), 'untersucht' (examines)), the team is meant. If it is itself the object of an action (e.g., 'anordnen' (to order)), the activity is meant.
Die Spurensicherung untersucht den Raum auf Fingerabdrücke.
The forensics team examines the room for fingerprints.
When referring to the activity, the word is often combined with the location, e.g., 'die Spurensicherung am Tatort' (forensics at the crime scene). Common verbs are 'durchführen' (to carry out) or 'leiten' (to lead).
Ein erfahrener Beamter leitet die Spurensicherung.
An experienced officer leads the forensic evidence collection.
search for clues
'Spurensuche' and 'Spurensicherung' both have to do with traces and clues. 'Spurensuche' is more general: you search for traces, clues, or explanations, also in a figurative sense. 'Spurensicherung' is more specific and belongs mainly to police work. It involves collecting and documenting physical traces at a crime scene. The word can also refer to the specialized police team. The words can be confused because both occur in the context of crimes. When it is about finding clues, 'Spurensuche' fits. When it is about professionally securing evidence, 'Spurensicherung' fits.
Die Spurensicherung untersuchte die Wohnung und nahm Fingerabdrücke.
The forensics team examined the apartment and took fingerprints.
Nach dem Brand begann die Spurensuche, weil die Ursache noch unklar war.
After the fire, the search for clues began because the cause was still unclear.