German Conversation · Level 6
90 words
German word
suchen
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈzuːxən/
Meaning
- verblook for
Example
Ich suche meinen Schlüssel.
I'm looking for my key.
More examples
Ich suche ein Geschenk für meine Freundin.
I am looking for a gift for my girlfriend.
Core concept
A deliberate scan through places, people, or sources that narrows the field to a wanted target.
Common phrases
suchen nach
look for
jemanden suchen
look for someone
im Internet suchen
search the Internet
Similar words
finden: Locate the thing being sought and confirm its presence.
nachschauen: Briefly check a place to see whether something is there.
durchsuchen: Search a place or object thoroughly for something hidden inside.
nachfragen: Ask someone directly to obtain information or an answer.
Definition in German
Gezielt handeln, um einen Gegenstand, eine Person oder eine Information zu finden.
Word origin
The German verb suchen continues Old High German suohhan, from a Germanic root also preserved in English seek.
Usage tips
- Suchen can refer to finding information as well as physical things, as in online nach einer Antwort suchen, with nach followed by the dative case.