German word

fahnden

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfaːndn̩/

Meaning

  • verbsearch for

Example

Die Kriminalpolizei fahndet nach dem Täter.

The criminal investigation department is searching for the perpetrator.

Illustration for fahnden (search for)

More examples

Die Einheit fahndet gezielt nach vermissten Personen.

The unit is specifically searching for missing persons.

Core concept

Investigators follow a trail of records and clues to locate a wanted person or object.

Common phrases

  • fahnden nach Spuren

    search for traces

  • fahnden nach vermissten Personen

    search for missing persons

Similar words

suchen: Searching around for a person or thing that needs to be found.
ermitteln: Establishing facts or identifying those involved through evidence and information.
verfolgen: Chasing or tracking someone's movements to capture them.
durchsuchen: Looking carefully through a place or object for hidden clues or items.

Definition in German

Ein Verb, das eine formelle oder polizeiliche Suche nach Personen oder Gegenständen bezeichnet und das systematische Aufspüren betont.

Word origin

Fahnden comes from Middle High German vanden or vānden, meaning to search or investigate, and shares its root with Fahndung.

Usage tips

  • Fahnden takes nach with the dative, as in nach dem Täter fahnden, and is more formal and official than ordinary suchen.

Opposites

Related words

  • das Fahndungsfotowanted photographnoun
  • das Fahndungsplakatwanted posternoun

Word lists with this word