die Verfolgung
pursuit
Chasing or running after someone or something in order to catch up with or capture them or it.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei nahm sofort die Verfolgung des Fluchtautos auf.
The police immediately took up pursuit of the getaway car.
die Verfolgung
pursuit / persecution
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Meanings
die Verfolgung
persecution
The systematic oppression, discrimination, or mistreatment of people or groups because of their political, religious, or ethnic affiliation.
EXAMPLE
Die politische Verfolgung in seiner Heimat zwang ihn zur Flucht.
Political persecution in his homeland forced him to flee.
die Verfolgung
prosecution
The legal punishment or pursuit of a criminal offense by the competent authorities such as the police and public prosecutor's office. Often used in the term 'Strafverfolgung' (criminal prosecution).
EXAMPLE
Die Verfolgung von Steuerhinterziehung wurde in den letzten Jahren intensiviert.
The prosecution of tax evasion has been intensified in recent years.
die Verfolgung
pursuit / tracking
The consistent pursuit of a goal or the observation of a process.
EXAMPLE
Die Verfolgung seiner beruflichen Ziele hat sich für ihn ausgezahlt.
The pursuit of his professional goals has paid off for him.
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'die Verfolgung' (pursuit / persecution) comes from the verb 'verfolgen' (to pursue / follow). This verb consists of the prefix 'ver-' and the verb 'folgen' (to follow). The basic meaning of 'following someone or something' can be recognized in all meanings of the noun.
EXAMPLE
Die Fans verfolgten das Spiel mit großer Spannung.
The fans followed the game with great excitement.
Sentence structure with genitive
To say who or what is being pursued, the genitive or the preposition 'von' is usually used. The genitive is more common in written language.
EXAMPLE
Die Verfolgung des Täters dauerte mehrere Stunden.
The pursuit of the perpetrator lasted several hours.
Typical collocations
In the context of a chase or escape, the fixed expression 'die Verfolgung aufnehmen' (to take up pursuit) is often used. It means that you begin chasing someone.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Banküberfall nahm die Polizei sofort die Verfolgung auf.
After the bank robbery, the police immediately took up pursuit.
Context clue
This meaning is often recognizable from adjectives like 'politisch' (political), 'religiös' (religious), or 'ethnisch' (ethnic). The context is usually historical or has to do with human rights.
EXAMPLE
Viele Künstler mussten wegen politischer Verfolgung ihre Heimat verlassen.
Many artists had to leave their homeland because of political persecution.
Context clue
In legal contexts, the word 'Strafverfolgung' (criminal prosecution) is often used. It refers to the work of the authorities that investigate and punish a criminal offense.
EXAMPLE
Die Strafverfolgung von Internetkriminalität ist eine große Herausforderung.
The prosecution of cybercrime is a major challenge.
Typical collocations
When it is about achieving something abstract, 'Verfolgung' (pursuit) is often combined with nouns such as 'Ziele' (goals), 'Träume' (dreams), or 'Interessen' (interests).
EXAMPLE
Die konsequente Verfolgung ihrer Ziele führte sie zum Erfolg.
The consistent pursuit of her goals led her to success.
Compare with
Verfolgung vs Jagd
hunt / chase
Both words can describe intensely following a person or thing. „Verfolgung“ describes this process more neutrally, while „Jagd“ emphasizes the focused, often confrontational or hectic search more strongly. Use „Verfolgung“ for an objective description; if the tension or combative pursuit should be apparent, „Jagd“ is appropriate.
Verfolgung
Die Verfolgung des flüchtenden Diebes dauerte bis in die Nacht.
The pursuit of the fleeing thief lasted into the night.
Jagd
Die Jagd nach dem flüchtenden Dieb dauerte bis in die Nacht.
The chase after the fleeing thief lasted into the night.
In real life
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