suchen
/ˈzuːxən/
The German verb for 'search' (to look thoroughly) is suchen.
suchen is used when you are looking for something. Depending on the context, other words may be more appropriate: Forschung specifically refers to the act of conducting research, often for academic or scientific purposes, while Recherche is used to refer to the process of searching or investigating in journalistic or formal contexts. In informal settings, if you are browsing or exploring without a specific goal, such as through physical items or online platforms, use Stöbern. The noun form Suche refers to an attempt to find something.
Meaning: (followed by "for") to look thoroughly (verb)
Which one should you use?
Unlike English, which requires the preposition 'for' to indicate the object of the search, suchen can take a direct accusative object (e.g., Ich suche meinen Schlüssel). Alternatively, you can use the preposition nach followed by the dative case to express the same idea.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When searching for a specific object or thing, the verb is often used with the preposition nach and the dative case, as seen in the construction nach etwas suchen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈzuːxən/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using suchen für to mean 'search for'. This is a common error made by translating the English phrase literally. Instead, use suchen with a direct object or with the preposition nach.
Did you know?
- While suchen is used for searching, the word stöbern describes the specific joy of browsing through a bookstore or attic without a goal.
- The English verb 'seek' and the German suchen are actually distant cousins, both descending from the same Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to seek out'.
- Depending on whether you use a direct object or the preposition nach, the nuance of suchen can shift from looking for a specific known object to searching for something missing.
Examples in context
- Man kann nach Sätzen suchen.You can search for sentences.This sentence shows how to use suchen with the preposition nach.Tatoeba #12630843 by Waldelfe, translation #8085582 by cykel
- Ich muss meinen Stift suchen.I need to search for my pen.This sentence shows the use of suchen with a direct object.Tatoeba #1401492 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1148932 by CK
- Wir müssen genau hier suchen.Right here is where we need to search.This sentence demonstrates the use of suchen to indicate a location for searching.Tatoeba #2418009 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2401784 by AlanF_US
- Ich werde nach Informationen im Internet suchenI will search for information on the internet
- Ich führe eine umfangreiche Forschung durchI am conducting extensive research
- Ich mache eine Recherche zu diesem ThemaI am doing research on this topic
- Ich suche mein HandyI am searching for my phone
- Ich liebe es, in Antiquitätenläden zu stöbernI love to browse antique shops
- Ich muss meinen Computer nach Viren durchsuchenI need to scan my computer for viruses
- Ich habe eine umfangreiche Suche in der Bibliothek durchgeführt, um die benötigten Informationen zu finden.I conducted an extensive search in the library to find the necessary information.
- Lass uns gemeinsam im Internet stöbern und nach Ideen für den nächsten Urlaub suchen.Let's browse the internet together and search for ideas for our next vacation.
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Laura are looking for their car keys in the living room.
- JulianIch kann die Schlüssel nicht finden.I cannot find the keys.
- LauraWir müssen gemeinsam im Wohnzimmer suchen.We have to search in the living room together.
- JulianHast du schon unter dem Kissen gesucht?Have you already searched under the pillow?
- LauraJa, aber ich werde weiter suchen.Yes, but I will keep searching.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “search” translations and entries suchen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries suchen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
