01
die Suche
search
The action or process of trying to find someone or something that is lost or hidden.
example
Die Suche nach dem vermissten Schlüssel dauerte eine Stunde.
The search for the missing key took an hour.
die Suche
search
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Word family
'Die Suche' (the search) is the noun corresponding to the verb 'suchen' (to search/look for). This connection is very direct and helps you learn and understand both words together.
EXAMPLE
Ich suche meinen Schlüssel. Die Suche ist bisher erfolglos.
I am looking for my key. The search has been unsuccessful so far.
Correct preposition
When you say what you are looking for, you always need the preposition 'nach' followed by the dative. This applies both to the verb 'suchen' and to the noun 'die Suche'.
EXAMPLE
Die Suche nach einer bezahlbaren Wohnung in der Stadt ist schwierig.
The search for an affordable apartment in the city is difficult.
Fixed expression
The phrase 'auf der Suche sein' (to be looking / to be in search of) is a fixed expression. It is often used to describe a longer-lasting state of searching, not just a brief moment.
EXAMPLE
Ich bin seit Wochen auf der Suche nach dem perfekten Geschenk.
I have been looking for the perfect gift for weeks.
Starting a search
To express that you begin searching, you use the fixed expression 'sich auf die Suche machen' (to set out in search / to start looking). This emphasizes the start of the activity.
EXAMPLE
Mein Hund ist weggelaufen, ich muss mich sofort auf die Suche machen.
My dog has run away; I have to start looking immediately.
Compare with
Suche vs suchen
to search / look for
'suchen' and 'die Suche' are closely related, but they have different grammatical roles. 'suchen' is a verb and directly describes what someone does: you try to find or get something. 'die Suche' is a noun and refers to the whole process. It works well when you are talking about this action as a topic, for example 'die Suche nach einer Wohnung' (the search for an apartment). Learners often confuse the words because their meanings are very similar. The sentence structure is important: you 'sucht etwas' (look for something), but you are 'auf der Suche nach etwas' (looking for something).
Suche
Die Suche nach einer neuen Wohnung dauert schon drei Monate.
The search for a new apartment has already been going on for three months.
suchen
Nach der Arbeit sucht Paul seinen Schlüssel in der Küche.
After work, Paul looks for his key in the kitchen.
In real life
Loading video examples...