whereabouts
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whereabouts
The place where a person or thing is located, especially when this place is unknown. Almost always used in the singular in German.
Die Polizei hat noch keine Hinweise auf den Verbleib des gestohlenen Gemäldes.
The police still have no clues about the whereabouts of the stolen painting.
'Der Verbleib' (whereabouts) is a noun derived from the verb 'verbleiben' (to remain), which means 'bleiben' (to stay) or 'verweilen' (to linger). So 'der Verbleib' is the place where someone or something has remained.
Er ist unbekannt verzogen und sein genauer Verbleib ist nicht bekannt.
He has moved without leaving a forwarding address, and his exact whereabouts are not known.
This word is used mainly in formal or official contexts, for example in police reports, news reports, or legal matters. In everyday language, you would simply ask: 'Wo ist er/sie/es?' (Where is he/she/it?)
Die Behörden machen keine Angaben über den Verbleib der Zeugin.
The authorities are not providing any information about the whereabouts of the witness.
The genitive or 'von' + dative is often used to clarify whose whereabouts are meant. Typical verbs in this context are 'klären' (to clarify), 'ermitteln' (to determine/investigate), or 'rätseln über' (to puzzle over).
Die Polizei ermittelt den Verbleib des verschwundenen Kindes.
The police are trying to determine the whereabouts of the missing child.
Since 'Verbleib' describes the unknown location as a concept, the word is used almost exclusively in the singular. A plural form ('die Verbleibe') is extremely rare and unusual.
Der Verbleib der alten Dokumente konnte nicht geklärt werden.
The whereabouts of the old documents could not be clarified.
position
'die Position' and 'der Verbleib' can both have to do with the location of a person or thing. 'Position' simply names the place where something is, often in a neutral or precise way. 'Verbleib' is used especially when it is unclear where someone or something is, or when you are asking about it. The word sounds somewhat more formal and often appears in news reports, with lost things, or in inquiries. Learners may confuse the words because both refer to location. If the location is known, 'Position' is usually a good fit. If the location is unknown, 'Verbleib' is often appropriate.
Die Polizei fragt nach dem Verbleib des verschwundenen Fahrrads.
The police are asking about the whereabouts of the missing bicycle.
Nach dem Gespräch blieb er an seiner Position neben der Tür stehen.
After the conversation, he remained standing in his position next to the door.