suchen
to look for
To try to find someone or something that you have lost or whose location you do not know.
EXAMPLE
Ich suche meinen Schlüssel, hast du ihn gesehen?
I'm looking for my key; have you seen it?
suchen
to search / look for
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Meanings
suchen
to look for
To make an effort to get something specific, for example a job or an apartment.
EXAMPLE
Er sucht seit drei Monaten eine neue Wohnung.
He has been looking for a new apartment for three months.
suchen nach
to search for
To try intensively to find an abstract solution, answer, or explanation.
EXAMPLE
Die Wissenschaftler suchen nach einer Heilung für die Krankheit.
The scientists are searching for a cure for the disease.
nichts zu suchen haben
to have no business being
To be unwanted in a particular place or not belong there.
EXAMPLE
Kinder haben auf einer Baustelle nichts zu suchen.
Children have no business being on a construction site.
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'suchen' (to search/look for) is the stem for other important verbs such as 'versuchen' (to try something), 'besuchen' (to visit someone), and 'untersuchen' (to examine something closely).
EXAMPLE
Ich versuche, Deutsch zu lernen.
I am trying to learn German.
Accusative vs. 'nach'
'Suchen' (to search/look for) is usually used with an accusative object when you are looking for a concrete thing or person. The preposition 'nach' (+ dative) is used when the search is more intensive or the goal is more abstract.
EXAMPLE
Ich suche mein Handy.
I'm looking for my phone.
Context: life goals
When 'suchen' (to look for) is used with objects like 'eine Wohnung' (an apartment), 'einen Job' (a job), 'Arbeit' (work), or 'das Glück' (happiness), it does not mean that something is lost, but that you are trying to find something new for your life.
EXAMPLE
Meine Schwester sucht eine neue Arbeitsstelle in Berlin.
My sister is looking for a new job in Berlin.
Typical collocations
The construction 'suchen nach' (to search for) is often used for abstract things. Typical combinations are: 'nach einer Lösung suchen' (to search for a solution), 'nach einer Antwort suchen' (to search for an answer), or 'nach dem Sinn suchen' (to search for meaning).
EXAMPLE
Die Ingenieure suchen nach einer Lösung für das technische Problem.
The engineers are searching for a solution to the technical problem.
Fixed expression
The expression 'hier nichts zu suchen haben' (to have no business being here) is a fixed phrase. It strongly expresses that someone is unwanted in a place or should not be there.
EXAMPLE
Du hast hinter der Bar nichts zu suchen!
You have no business being behind the bar!
Compare with
suchen vs ringen
to wrestle / struggle
Both words work when someone is trying to find the right words. „Suchen“ describes the general attempt to find the right words, while „ringen“ shows a strong inner or situational block and great effort. Use „suchen“ for normal reflection and „ringen“ when formulating something is particularly difficult.
suchen
Ich suche nach den richtigen Worten für meine Antwort.
I am looking for the right words for my answer.
ringen
Ich ringe nach den richtigen Worten für meine Antwort.
I am struggling to find the right words for my answer.
In real life
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