suchen vs durchsuchen
German word comparison
Listen to suchen
Listen to durchsuchen
| suchen | durchsuchen |
|---|---|
ZOO-khen verb | /dʊɐ̯ˈzʊxən/ verb |
| to look for; to search (for someone or something) | to search through (a space or container) thoroughly |
How they differ
Durchsuchen implies a thorough, often systematic search of a place or object (rummaging through drawers, rooms, files), whereas suchen is a general verb for looking for something and does not by itself indicate intensity or method.
When to use each
When to use suchen: Prefer suchen for a general, everyday act of looking for something or someone without implying a detailed search method.
When to use durchsuchen: Use durchsuchen when you mean to search inside, through, or across an area or set of items thoroughly (e.g., search a room, suitcase, or folder).
Side-by-side examples
- Ich suche meinen Schlüssel.
(I am looking for my key.) - Die Polizei hat das Haus durchsucht.
(The police searched the house (thoroughly).)
Register & nuance: Neutral; commonly used in everyday and official contexts, but it sounds more forceful or thorough than suchen.