to examine / investigate
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to examine
To check someone or something systematically and carefully in order to find something out, especially in a medical or scientific context.
Der Arzt muss Sie gründlich untersuchen, um die Ursache Ihrer Schmerzen zu finden.
The doctor has to examine you thoroughly to find the cause of your pain.
to investigate
To officially examine a case, crime, or incident in order to determine the facts.
Die Polizei untersucht derzeit den Einbruch in das Juweliergeschäft.
The police are currently investigating the break-in at the jewelry store.
'Untersuchen' (to examine/investigate) is an inseparable verb. The prefix 'unter-' remains firmly attached to the verb 'suchen' (to search) in all sentence forms and is not stressed. The past participle is formed without 'ge-': 'untersucht' (examined/investigated).
Der Mechaniker hat den Motor genau untersucht.
The mechanic examined the engine carefully.
The verb 'untersuchen' (to examine/investigate) always requires an accusative object. You always examine/investigate 'jemanden' (someone) or 'etwas' (something).
Die Wissenschaftler untersuchen die Auswirkungen des neuen Medikaments.
The scientists are examining the effects of the new medication.
The corresponding noun for this verb is 'die Untersuchung' (examination/investigation). Common expressions are 'eine Untersuchung durchführen' (to conduct an examination/investigation) or 'eine Untersuchung einleiten' (to launch an investigation).
Die ärztliche Untersuchung hat zum Glück nichts Schlimmes ergeben.
Fortunately, the medical examination did not reveal anything serious.
The meaning depends on the context: In the medical or scientific field, it is about an examination (doctor, laboratory). In a legal or police context, it means 'ermitteln' (to investigate) (police, crime).
Ein Experte untersucht die Echtheit des Gemäldes.
An expert is examining the authenticity of the painting.
to check / test
Prüfen and untersuchen both mean looking at something closely. Prüfen usually means assessing whether something is correct, safe, or working properly. Untersuchen means systematically finding out new facts or a cause, especially in medicine and science.
Die Technikerin untersucht den defekten Motor, um die Ursache des Fehlers zu finden.
The technician examines the defective engine to find the cause of the problem.
Die Technikerin prüft den Motor vor der Fahrt auf seine Sicherheit.
The technician checks the engine for safety before the trip.
