pursuer
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pursuer
A person who chases or pursues another person or a vehicle, often in order to catch them or harm them.
Der Flüchtende konnte seine Verfolger im dichten Wald abschütteln.
The fugitive was able to shake off his pursuers in the dense forest.
challenger
In sports or in a competition, the person or team that is trying to catch up with the leader.
Der Tabellenerste hat nur noch zwei Punkte Vorsprung auf den nächsten Verfolger.
The team at the top of the table is only two points ahead of its nearest challenger.
'Verfolger' (pursuer) is derived directly from the verb 'verfolgen' (to pursue). The ending '-er' turns the verb into a masculine person who performs the action.
Die Polizei verfolgt den Dieb.
The police are pursuing the thief.
The context makes the meaning clear. If it is about escape, police, or a chase, it means a person who is chasing someone. In a sports or business context, it refers to the runner-up in a competition.
Der Detektiv blieb seinem Verfolger dicht auf den Fersen.
The detective stayed close on his pursuer's heels.
In the meaning of 'Jäger' (hunter/chaser), 'Verfolger' (pursuer) is often combined with verbs that describe escaping, for example 'seine Verfolger abschütteln' (to shake off one's pursuers) or 'den Verfolgern entkommen' (to escape the pursuers).
Dem Spion gelang es, seine Verfolger in der Menschenmenge abzuschütteln.
The spy managed to shake off his pursuers in the crowd.
In a sports context, typical combinations are 'der nächste Verfolger' (the nearest challenger) or 'der schärfste Verfolger' (the strongest challenger). The 'Vorsprung auf die Verfolger' (lead over the challengers) is also often mentioned.
Der Radrennfahrer konnte seinen Vorsprung auf die Verfolger weiter ausbauen.
The cyclist was able to further extend his lead over the challengers.
shadow
Schatten and Verfolger can both refer to a person who is following someone else. A Schatten follows particularly discreetly and persistently, often for observation, while a Verfolger more generally chases someone or tries to catch up with them. Schatten fits unnoticed surveillance; Verfolger fits an open pursuit.
Der Verfolger jagte dem Verdächtigen durch die Stadt hinterher, um ihn einzuholen.
The pursuer chased the suspect through the city in order to catch up with him.
Der Detektiv blieb dem Verdächtigen unauffällig als Schatten durch die Stadt hindurch dicht auf den Fersen.
The detective discreetly shadowed the suspect through the city, staying close on his heels.
