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B1 verb #4,000 mais comum 9 min de leitura

Forschen

Top 4,000

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas Forschen em 30 segundos

Explicação Forschen in your Level:

At the A1 level, you usually don't need the word 'forschen' very often. You will mostly use 'suchen' (to search). However, you might see it in very simple texts about famous scientists like Albert Einstein. You should understand that 'Er forscht' means he is working as a scientist. You don't need to worry about the complex prepositions yet. Just remember that it is a verb for smart people doing experiments. It looks a bit like the English word 'search', but remember it is more for science. If you see 'Forscher' in a picture book, it means 'researcher' or 'explorer'. Focus on the basic meaning: working to find out something new in science.

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'forschen' to talk about jobs. You might say 'Er ist Wissenschaftler und forscht an der Universität.' You should notice that it is a regular verb (forschen, forschte, hat geforscht). You might also see it in simple news headlines about new inventions. It is important to start separating it from 'suchen'. If you say 'Ich suche ein Buch', you want to find a physical book. If you say 'Ich forsche in Büchern', you are studying the information inside them. You are starting to see it in the context of hobbies like 'Ahnenforschung' (looking for your family history).

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At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'forschen' more accurately with its prepositions. You should know that you 'forschen nach' a reason or 'forschen an' a project. This is the level where you discuss topics like the environment, technology, and health, where 'forschen' is a key verb. You should also be able to distinguish between 'forschen' and 'recherchieren'. When you write an essay for your German class, you 'recherchieren' the facts. When a scientist works in a lab, they 'forschen'. You should also be familiar with the noun 'die Forschung' and how it is used in sentences like 'Die Forschung ist wichtig für die Zukunft.'

At the B2 level, you should use 'forschen' in more abstract contexts. You might talk about 'nach der Wahrheit forschen' (searching for the truth) or 'nach den Ursachen gesellschaftlicher Probleme forschen' (researching the causes of social problems). You should be comfortable using the prefix versions like 'nachforschen' (to investigate a lead) and 'erforschen' (to explore/research thoroughly). You will encounter this word in academic texts and more complex news articles. You should also understand the register: 'forschen' is more formal and serious. You might use it in a formal letter or a presentation about a scientific topic.

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At the C1 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'forschen'. You can use it to describe the methodology of a study. You might discuss 'interdisziplinäres Forschen' (interdisciplinary research) or 'empirisches Forschen' (empirical research). You should be able to use it in passive constructions like 'Es wurde intensiv nach einer Lösung geforscht.' You are also expected to know many related nouns and adjectives, such as 'Forschungsdrang', 'forschungsintensiv', or 'Forschungseinrichtung'. In your own academic writing, you will use 'forschen' to set the stage for your inquiries and distinguish your work from simple 'Recherche'.

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At the C2 level, 'forschen' becomes a tool for philosophical and highly technical discourse. You might use it to discuss the 'Forschungsfreiheit' (freedom of research) in a legal or ethical context. You understand the historical weight of the word in German intellectual history. You can use it metaphorically, such as 'in seinem Inneren forschen' (to search within oneself). You have a perfect command of the differences between 'forschen', 'erforschen', 'nachforschen', 'ausforschen', and 'durchforschen'. Your use of the word is precise, elegant, and contextually perfect, whether you are writing a scientific paper or engaging in a deep debate about the role of science in society.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

Forschen em 30 segundos

Forschen is the German verb for 'to research' or 'to investigate' systematically.
It is primarily used in scientific, academic, and serious investigative contexts.
Common prepositions used with it are 'an', 'nach', and 'über'.
It is a regular (weak) verb: forschen, forschte, hat geforscht.

The German verb forschen is a cornerstone of academic, scientific, and investigative language. While the English language often uses 'to research' as a catch-all term, German distinguishes between the act of looking for something lost (suchen) and the systematic, disciplined investigation of a subject (forschen). When you use this word, you are implying a level of depth, methodology, and intellectual rigor. It is not merely glancing at a book; it is the pursuit of new knowledge or the uncovering of hidden truths through a structured process. In a B1 context, you might use it to describe what scientists do in a lab, but as you progress to C1 and C2, you will see it applied to historical inquiry, philosophical questioning, and even deep personal introspection.

Scientific Investigation: The primary use of 'forschen' relates to science and academia. It describes the work of a 'Forscher' (researcher) who conducts experiments or studies data to reach a conclusion. For example, 'Die Wissenschaftler forschen an einem Heilmittel' (The scientists are researching a cure).

Seit Jahren forschen Experten nach den Ursachen des Klimawandels.

Investigative Curiosity: Beyond the lab, 'forschen' is used when someone investigates a mystery or looks deeply into a specific matter, such as family history or a criminal case. It suggests a persistent and detailed search for information.

In daily German life, you will encounter this word in news reports about breakthroughs in medicine, technology, or social sciences. It carries a connotation of progress and seriousness. Unlike 'untersuchen' (to examine/inspect), which might be a one-time check, 'forschen' implies a long-term commitment to a field of study. It is the drive behind the 'Forschungsdrang' (the urge to research/explore), a quality highly valued in German culture which prides itself on engineering and scientific innovation.

In der Bibliothek forschte sie stundenlang in alten Archiven.

The Prepositional Nuance: If you research 'an einem Projekt', you are working on it. If you research 'nach der Wahrheit', you are seeking a specific truth that is currently hidden.

Wir forschen intensiv an neuen Energielösungen.

Er hat sein ganzes Leben lang über die Meere geforscht.

Die Polizei forschte nach dem Verbleib des Geldes.

Using forschen correctly requires an understanding of its valency—the way it connects to other parts of the sentence. Most commonly, it is used with the prepositions 'an', 'nach', or 'über'. Each preposition changes the focus of the research. When you use 'an' + Dative, you are focusing on the object of study or the field. When you use 'nach' + Dative, you are looking for a specific answer, a cause, or a missing piece of information. When you use 'über' + Accusative, you are talking about the general subject matter of the research.

The 'An' Construction (Focus on Topic): Example: 'Sie forscht an der Universität an Krebszellen.' Here, 'an' indicates both the location (the university) and the specific biological material being studied (cancer cells).

Woran forschen Sie gerade?

The 'Nach' Construction (Focus on Goal): Example: 'Der Detektiv forschte nach Beweisen.' This implies a search for something specific that is needed to solve a problem.

Wir müssen nach den tieferen Gründen für dieses Problem forschen.

In complex sentences, you might find 'forschen' combined with adverbs to indicate the intensity or the method of the work. 'Wissenschaftlich forschen' (to research scientifically) or 'intensiv forschen' (to research intensively) are common pairings. Furthermore, notice the difference between 'forschen' and its inseparable prefix version 'erforschen'. While 'forschen' describes the process, 'erforschen' often implies the complete exploration or discovery of something, like 'einen Kontinent erforschen' (to explore a continent).

Er hat jahrelang im Dschungel geforscht.

The 'In' Construction (Focus on Source): Example: 'In den Akten forschen.' This means to dig through documents or files to find information.

Die Studierenden forschen gemeinsam an einem Seminarprojekt.

Man muss gründlich forschen, um die Wahrheit zu finden.

Haben Sie schon nach der Herkunft des Namens geforscht?

You will hear forschen most frequently in environments dedicated to knowledge production. This includes universities (Universitäten), research institutes (Forschungsinstitute like the Max-Planck-Gesellschaft), and R&D departments of large corporations (Forschungs- und Entwicklungsabteilungen). In these settings, it is the standard verb to describe daily work. If you are a student in Germany, your professors will often talk about their 'Forschungsschwerpunkte' (research focus areas) and where they are currently 'forschen'.

In the Media: Science programs on TV (like 'Quarks' or 'Terra X') use 'forschen' constantly to explain what scientists are doing to solve world problems, from space exploration to curing diseases.

In der Tagesschau wurde berichtet, dass Firmen an einem neuen Akku forschen.

In Legal and Investigative Contexts: Detectives or investigative journalists 'nachforschen' (investigate/look into) a lead. While the base verb 'forschen' is used, the prefix version 'nachforschen' is more common for specific investigations.

Another interesting place you'll hear this word is in the context of 'Heimatforschung' (local history research) or 'Ahnenforschung' (genealogy). Everyday people who spend their weekends in archives looking for their great-grandparents are 'forschen'. It elevates their hobby from a simple search to a serious investigation. In the German 'Mittelstand' (the small and medium-sized enterprises that form the backbone of the economy), innovation is often described through the lens of 'Forschung und Entwicklung' (R&D), where companies 'forschen' to stay competitive globally.

Mein Opa forscht seit Jahren nach unseren Vorfahren.

Colloquial Usage: While less common in slang, you might hear someone say 'Ich muss mal nachforschen' when they need to check a fact or figure out why something went wrong.

Wir forschen hier nach Lösungen für die Zukunft.

Die Kinder forschen im Wald nach Käfern.

Wer nicht forscht, der nicht findet.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make is using forschen when they actually mean 'suchen' (to search). If you lost your keys, you 'search' for them (Ich suche meine Schlüssel). You do NOT 'research' for them (Ich forsche nach meinen Schlüsseln), unless you are conducting a scientific study on the location of lost keys. 'Forschen' implies a quest for knowledge, not a quest for a physical object that you simply misplaced.

Confusing 'Forschen' with 'Untersuchen': 'Untersuchen' is 'to examine' or 'to investigate' a specific thing (like a patient or a crime scene). 'Forschen' is the broader process of scientific inquiry. You 'untersuchen' a blood sample to 'forschen' at a cure.

Falsch: Ich forsche mein Portemonnaie. (Correct: Ich suche mein Portemonnaie.)

Preposition Errors: Learners often forget that 'forschen' is intransitive in its base form and needs a preposition. You cannot 'forschen ein Thema'. You must 'über ein Thema forschen' or 'an einem Thema forschen'.

Another common mistake is the confusion between 'forschen' and 'erforschen'. 'Erforschen' is a transitive verb (it takes a direct object) and usually means to explore a place or to research something until it is understood. 'Forschen' is the activity itself. You can say 'Ich forsche' (I am doing research), but you cannot say 'Ich erforsche' without saying *what* you are exploring. Using the wrong one can make your sentence sound incomplete or overly ambitious.

Falsch: Wir forschen den Weltraum. (Correct: Wir erforschen den Weltraum or Wir forschen im Weltraum.)

Subject-Verb Agreement with 'Forschung': Remember that 'die Forschung' (the research) is singular. Learners often try to pluralize it like 'researches' in English (which is also incorrect in English), but in German, you stay with the singular or use 'Forschungsarbeiten'.

Falsch: Er forscht nach einem neuen Job. (Correct: Er sucht nach einem neuen Job.)

Man forscht an der Lösung, man sucht das Ergebnis.

Sie forscht intensiv, nicht nur oberflächlich.

To sound more like a native speaker, you should know the nuances between forschen and its synonyms. While 'forschen' is the general term for scientific research, other words might be more precise depending on the context. 'Untersuchen' is more about the analytical inspection of a specific object. 'Erkunden' is often used for physical exploration (like exploring a cave). 'Recherchieren' is the specific term used by journalists or students when they are looking for existing information in sources.

Forschen vs. Recherchieren: 'Forschen' creates new knowledge through experiments or deep study. 'Recherchieren' finds existing knowledge (e.g., a journalist researching a story).

Wissenschaftler forschen, Journalisten recherchieren.

Forschen vs. Untersuchen: 'Untersuchen' is 'to examine' (a patient, a machine, a theory). It is more localized and specific than the broad 'forschen'.

In formal academic German, you might use 'wissenschaftlich arbeiten' (to work scientifically) or 'eine Studie durchführen' (to conduct a study). If you are talking about exploring a new market in business, you would use 'erschließen' or 'sondieren' rather than 'forschen'. Understanding these distinctions helps you move from B1 to C1 levels where precision in vocabulary is expected. For example, 'nachforschen' is almost always preferred when you are investigating a specific event or a 'why' question in a non-scientific context.

Wir müssen in dieser Angelegenheit noch etwas nachforschen.

Erforschen (The Transitive Alternative): Use 'erforschen' when you have a direct object: 'Sie erforschen den Meeresgrund' (They are exploring/researching the sea floor).

Die Ursachen wurden gründlich untersucht.

Er erkundet die Umgebung.

Wir recherchieren die Fakten für den Artikel.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

Because it is related to 'Frage' (question), the word 'forschen' literally means 'to keep questioning' until an answer is found.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ˈfɔʁʃn̩/

US /ˈfɔːrʃən/

The stress is on the first syllable: FOR-schen.

Rima com

horchen gehorchen Storchen (Dative plural of Storch)

Erros comuns

Pronouncing the 'sch' like 's'.
Making the 'o' too long like 'o' in 'go'.
Forgetting to vocalize the 'r' correctly.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

Easy to recognize because it looks like 'search' and 'research'.

Escrita 4/5

Tricky because of the different prepositions (an, nach, über).

Expressão oral 3/5

The 'rsch' sound combination can be a bit difficult for English speakers.

Audição 2/5

Very distinct sound, easy to pick out in academic contexts.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

suchen fragen wissen Arbeit Wissenschaft

Aprenda a seguir

erforschen untersuchen recherchieren analysieren Ergebnis

Avançado

die Erkenntnistheorie die Methodik die Probanden die Evaluierung das Plagiat

Gramática essencial

Prepositional Verbs

forschen + an/nach/über

Weak Verb Conjugation

ich forschte, du forschtest, er forschte

Substantivized Infinitives

Das Forschen ist anstrengend.

Prefix Verbs (Inseparable)

erforschen (transitive)

Prefix Verbs (Separable)

nachforschen, weiterforschen

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Exemplos por nível

Der Mann forscht.

The man researches.

Simple present tense.

Sie forscht viel.

She researches a lot.

Adverb 'viel' modifies the verb.

Was macht er? Er forscht.

What is he doing? He is researching.

Question and answer format.

Forscht du auch?

Do you research too?

Simple question.

Wir forschen in der Schule.

We research at school.

Prepositional phrase 'in der Schule'.

Der Forscher ist klug.

The researcher is smart.

Noun 'Forscher' derived from the verb.

Ich möchte forschen.

I want to research.

Modal verb 'möchte' + infinitive.

Sie forschen heute.

They are researching today.

Time adverb 'heute'.

Er forscht an der Universität.

He researches at the university.

Use of 'an' for location.

Wissenschaftler forschen an Medizin.

Scientists research medicine.

Plural subject.

Sie hat gestern geforscht.

She researched yesterday.

Perfekt tense (past).

Wir forschen nach Tieren.

We are researching animals.

Preposition 'nach'.

Forschen macht Spaß.

Researching is fun.

Gerund-like use of the infinitive as a subject.

Er forscht in alten Büchern.

He researches in old books.

Preposition 'in' + Dative.

Mein Vater forscht viel.

My father researches a lot.

Possessive pronoun.

Sie forschten im Wald.

They researched in the forest.

Präteritum (past) tense.

Die Firma forscht an neuen Autos.

The company is researching new cars.

Focus on the object of research with 'an'.

Wir forschen nach den Ursachen der Krankheit.

We are researching the causes of the disease.

Focus on finding a reason with 'nach'.

Er hat jahrelang über dieses Thema geforscht.

He researched this topic for years.

Preposition 'über' + Accusative.

Es ist wichtig, intensiv zu forschen.

It is important to research intensively.

Infinitiv mit 'zu'.

Woran forschst du gerade?

What are you researching right now?

Pronominal adverb 'woran'.

Sie forschen für eine bessere Umwelt.

They are researching for a better environment.

Preposition 'für' indicating purpose.

In diesem Labor wird viel geforscht.

A lot of research is done in this lab.

Passive voice.

Ich habe nach Informationen geforscht.

I researched for information.

Perfekt tense.

Man muss gründlich nachforschen, bevor man urteilt.

One must investigate thoroughly before judging.

Use of 'nachforschen' for investigation.

Das Team forscht an einer Lösung für das Problem.

The team is researching a solution to the problem.

Abstract object 'Lösung'.

Sie forscht auf dem Gebiet der Quantenphysik.

She researches in the field of quantum physics.

Phrase 'auf dem Gebiet'.

Wir forschten nach dem Verbleib der Akten.

We researched the whereabouts of the files.

Präteritum with 'nach'.

Er hat sein Leben lang über die Geschichte geforscht.

He has researched history his whole life.

Duration with 'sein Leben lang'.

Forschungsergebnisse zeigen, dass wir mehr forschen müssen.

Research results show that we need to research more.

Compound noun 'Forschungsergebnisse'.

Sie forschten gemeinsam an dem Projekt.

They researched the project together.

Adverb 'gemeinsam'.

Es gilt, die Hintergründe zu erforschen.

It is necessary to explore the backgrounds.

Verb 'erforschen' (transitive).

Die Wissenschaftler forschen unermüdlich an einem Impfstoff.

The scientists are researching a vaccine tirelessly.

Adverb 'unermüdlich'.

Es wurde jahrelang nach den tieferen Ursachen geforscht.

Research was conducted for years into the deeper causes.

Impersonal passive with 'nach'.

Sie forscht interdisziplinär an der Schnittstelle von Biologie und Technik.

She researches interdisciplinarily at the interface of biology and technology.

Advanced vocabulary 'Schnittstelle'.

Man forschte vergeblich nach einer Antwort.

They searched in vain for an answer.

Adverb 'vergeblich'.

Die Universität forscht in enger Kooperation mit der Industrie.

The university researches in close cooperation with industry.

Prepositional phrase 'in enger Kooperation'.

Er forscht über die Auswirkungen der Globalisierung.

He researches the effects of globalization.

Abstract topic with 'über'.

Es ist notwendig, in diesem Bereich weiterzuforschen.

It is necessary to continue researching in this area.

Separable-like infinitive construction 'weiterzuforschen'.

Sie forschten nach Indizien für ein Verbrechen.

They searched for clues to a crime.

Specific noun 'Indizien'.

Die Freiheit zu forschen ist ein hohes Gut unserer Gesellschaft.

The freedom to research is a great asset to our society.

Substantivized infinitive 'zu forschen'.

Er forschte in den Abgründen der menschlichen Seele.

He researched the depths of the human soul.

Metaphorical use.

Es wurde nach einer allgemeingültigen Theorie geforscht.

A search was conducted for a universally valid theory.

Adjective 'allgemeingültig'.

Sie forscht am Puls der Zeit an zukunftsweisenden Technologien.

She researches trend-setting technologies at the pulse of the time.

Idiomatic expression 'am Puls der Zeit'.

Trotz widriger Umstände forschte er beharrlich weiter.

Despite adverse circumstances, he persistently continued researching.

Concessive preposition 'trotz'.

Die Studie forscht nach den Korrelationen zwischen Armut und Bildung.

The study investigates the correlations between poverty and education.

Technical term 'Korrelationen'.

Man forschte im Verborgenen an dem geheimen Projekt.

Research was conducted in secret on the secret project.

Phrase 'im Verborgenen'.

Sie forschte nach den Wurzeln der antiken Philosophie.

She researched the roots of ancient philosophy.

Metaphorical 'Wurzeln'.

Colocações comuns

an einem Projekt forschen

nach der Ursache forschen

intensiv forschen

wissenschaftlich forschen

gemeinsam forschen

weltweit forschen

im Archiv forschen

nach Beweisen forschen

über die Vergangenheit forschen

an Krebs forschen

Frases Comuns

nach den Gründen forschen

— To look for the underlying reasons of something.

Wir müssen nach den Gründen für den Erfolg forschen.

in der Geschichte forschen

— To conduct historical research.

Sie forscht in der Geschichte ihrer Familie.

auf eigene Faust forschen

— To research something independently without official support.

Er forschte auf eigene Faust nach der Wahrheit.

an der Zukunft forschen

— To work on technologies or ideas for the future.

Hier wird an der Zukunft der Mobilität geforscht.

nach Antworten forschen

— To seek answers to difficult questions.

Philosophen forschen nach Antworten auf die großen Fragen.

interdisziplinär forschen

— To research across different academic fields.

Das Team forscht interdisziplinär.

empirisch forschen

— To research based on observation or experiment.

In der Soziologie wird oft empirisch geforscht.

an einem Heilmittel forschen

— To research a cure for a disease.

Die Pharmaindustrie forscht an einem Heilmittel.

nach Spuren forschen

— To look for clues or traces.

Archäologen forschen nach Spuren alter Zivilisationen.

im Verborgenen forschen

— To conduct research in secret.

Er forschte jahrelang im Verborgenen.

Frequentemente confundido com

Forschen vs suchen

Suchen is to look for something lost; forschen is systematic study.

Forschen vs untersuchen

Untersuchen is to examine a specific object; forschen is the broader process.

Forschen vs recherchieren

Recherchieren is collecting existing info; forschen is creating new knowledge.

Expressões idiomáticas

"In den Krümeln forschen"

— To be overly pedantic or nitpicky (less common than 'suchen').

Du musst nicht immer in den Krümeln forschen.

informal

"Nach den Wurzeln forschen"

— To look for the origins or beginnings of something.

Er forschte nach den Wurzeln des Übels.

literary

"Den Dingen auf den Grund forschen"

— To investigate something until the absolute truth is found.

Wir werden diesen Dingen auf den Grund forschen.

formal

"Im Trüben forschen"

— To research or investigate when information is very unclear.

Ohne Daten forschen wir im Trüben.

metaphorical

"Neuland erforschen"

— To explore completely new territory (figuratively).

Mit dieser KI-Technik erforschen wir Neuland.

neutral

"An vorderster Front forschen"

— To be at the cutting edge of research.

Sie forschen an vorderster Front der Genetik.

journalistic

"Nach dem Warum forschen"

— To look for the deeper existential or causal reason.

Menschen forschen immer nach dem Warum.

philosophical

"Mit Argusaugen forschen"

— To investigate with extremely careful observation.

Sie forschten mit Argusaugen nach Fehlern.

literary

"In fremden Revieren forschen"

— To research in a field that is not one's own specialty.

Physiker forschen oft in biologischen Revieren.

metaphorical

"Dem Glück nachforschen"

— To try to find the secret to happiness.

Viele Philosophen haben dem Glück nachgeforscht.

poetic

Fácil de confundir

Forschen vs suchen

Both mean 'to look for' in a broad sense.

Suchen is for objects/people; forschen is for knowledge/science.

Ich suche meine Brille, aber ich forsche an der Physik.

Forschen vs erforschen

They share the same root.

Forschen is the activity (intransitive); erforschen is exploring a specific thing (transitive).

Ich forsche (I research). Ich erforsche den Mars (I explore Mars).

Forschen vs nachforschen

Very similar meaning.

Nachforschen is specific investigation; forschen is general scientific work.

Ich forsche an der Uni. Ich muss dem Gerücht nachforschen.

Forschen vs fragen

Phonetic similarity for beginners.

Fragen is to ask a question; forschen is to conduct research.

Ich frage den Lehrer. Ich forsche im Labor.

Forschen vs studieren

Both happen at universities.

Studieren is learning as a student; forschen is discovering as a scientist.

Ich studiere Biologie. Mein Professor forscht an Viren.

Padrões de frases

Subjekt + forscht.

Der Forscher forscht.

Subjekt + forscht + in + Dativ.

Sie forscht in der Bibliothek.

Subjekt + forscht + an + Dativ.

Er forscht an einem neuen Medikament.

Subjekt + forscht + nach + Dativ.

Wir forschen nach der Lösung.

Subjekt + forscht + über + Akkusativ.

Sie forscht über die Geschichte Berlins.

Es wird + an/nach + Dativ + geforscht.

Es wird an einer neuen Theorie geforscht.

Subjekt + forscht + auf dem Gebiet + Genitiv.

Er forscht auf dem Gebiet der Chemie.

Subjekt + forscht + interdisziplinär.

Das Institut forscht interdisziplinär.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

die Forschung (research)

der Forscher (researcher)

die Forscherin (female researcher)

der Forschungsdrang (urge to research)

das Forschungsprojekt (research project)

die Forschungsreise (expedition)

das Forschungszentrum (research center)

Verbos

erforschen (to explore/research thoroughly)

nachforschen (to investigate)

ausforschen (to spy out/probe)

weiterforschen (to continue researching)

durchforschen (to search through)

Adjetivos

forscherisch (research-like)

unerforscht (unexplored)

forschungsnah (close to research)

forschungsintensiv (research-intensive)

Relacionado

die Wissenschaft

das Labor

die Analyse

die Hypothese

die Erkenntnis

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Como usar

frequency

High in educational and news contexts; medium in casual conversation.

Erros comuns

Ich forsche meine Schlüssel. → Ich suche meine Schlüssel.
You search for objects, you research for knowledge.
Er forscht ein neues Medikament. → Er forscht an einem neuen Medikament.
'Forschen' requires a preposition like 'an' or 'nach'.
Die Forschungen sind interessant. → Die Forschung ist interessant.
'Forschung' is usually used in the singular in German.
Ich forsche über Google. → Ich recherchiere bei Google.
'Forschen' is for deep scientific work, 'recherchieren' is for finding info.
Sie forscht nach das Buch. → Sie forscht nach dem Buch.
'Nach' always takes the Dative case.

Dicas

Preposition Choice

Always remember: 'an' for the object, 'nach' for the result. This is the biggest B1 hurdle.

Noun vs Verb

The noun 'Forschung' is always singular. Don't try to say 'Forschungen' unless you mean multiple specific studies.

Don't use for keys!

Never use 'forschen' when you lose your keys. Use 'suchen' or your German friends will think you are conducting a lab experiment on your keychain.

German Innovation

When talking about German companies, use 'forschen' to sound impressed by their technology.

University Life

Professors in Germany are 'Forscher und Lehre' (researchers and teachers). Use both terms to describe them.

Vary your verbs

Use 'erforschen' when you want to emphasize that you have completely understood a topic.

Pronunciation

The 'sch' in forschen is strong. Make sure it doesn't sound like 'fors-en'.

Context Clues

If you hear 'forschen', expect words like 'Labor', 'Studie', or 'Universität' to follow.

Mnemonic

Think of the 'Four-Search' rule for deep research.

Compound Nouns

German loves 'Forschungs-'. Combine it with almost any academic word (Forschungs-reise, Forschungs-arbeit).

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of a 'FORest' where you are 'SEARCHing' (forschen). You are a scientist in the forest of knowledge.

Associação visual

Imagine a person with a magnifying glass looking at a DNA strand. The magnifying glass represents the 'focus' of 'forschen'.

Word Web

Wissenschaft Labor Neugier Daten Experiment Universität Wahrheit Entdeckung

Desafio

Try to use 'forschen' in three sentences today: one about a scientist, one about a mystery, and one about your own learning.

Origem da palavra

Derived from Middle High German 'vurshen', which comes from Old High German 'forskōn'. It is related to the word 'Frage' (question).

Significado original: The original meaning was 'to ask' or 'to inquire', which evolved into the modern meaning of systematic inquiry or research.

Germanic (Indo-European).

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities, but avoid using 'ausforschen' in a way that implies illegal spying unless that is the intended meaning.

In English, 'research' is both a noun and a verb. In German, 'Forschung' is the noun and 'forschen' is the verb. English speakers often use 'do research', while Germans can just say 'forschen'.

Alexander von Humboldt (famous researcher/explorer) Marie Curie (often cited in German textbooks about 'forschen') Max Planck (namesake of research institutes)

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Academic/University

an einer Dissertation forschen
Fördermittel erhalten
Ergebnisse veröffentlichen
eine Studie leiten

Medical/Laboratory

an einem Impfstoff forschen
klinische Studien
im Labor arbeiten
Wirksamkeit testen

Historical/Archival

in den Archiven forschen
Quellen auswerten
nach Vorfahren forschen
Zeitzeugen befragen

Daily Life/Investigation

nach der Ursache forschen
jemandem nachforschen
den Dingen auf den Grund gehen
einen Fehler suchen

Technological/R&D

an neuen Technologien forschen
Patente anmelden
Prototypen entwickeln
Marktforschung betreiben

Iniciadores de conversa

"Woran würden Sie gerne forschen, wenn Sie Wissenschaftler wären?"

"Haben Sie schon einmal nach Ihrer Familiengeschichte geforscht?"

"Welche Forschungsergebnisse der letzten Jahre finden Sie am wichtigsten?"

"Glauben Sie, dass wir genug an erneuerbaren Energien forschen?"

"In welchem Bereich sollte die Menschheit mehr forschen?"

Temas para diário

Stellen Sie sich vor, Sie forschen an einer Zeitmaschine. Was wäre Ihr erster Versuch?

Beschreiben Sie ein Thema, über das Sie gerne stundenlang in einer Bibliothek forschen würden.

Warum ist es für eine Gesellschaft wichtig, dass Menschen frei forschen können?

Haben Sie jemals nach einer Antwort auf eine schwierige Frage geforscht? Was haben Sie gefunden?

Wenn Sie ein Forscher wären, welches Rätsel der Welt würden Sie lösen wollen?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Use 'an' for the topic or material you are working with (e.g., forschen an Zellen). Use 'nach' for the goal or answer you are trying to find (e.g., forschen nach der Ursache).

Usually, no. For Google, you use 'suchen' or 'recherchieren'. 'Forschen' is too heavy for a simple web search unless you are doing a deep academic digital study.

Yes, it is a weak/regular verb. The forms are forschen, forschte, hat geforscht.

It means genealogy or family history research. 'Ahnen' means ancestors, so it's 'ancestor research'.

It is neutral to formal. It's the standard word in science, but perfectly fine in everyday speech when talking about serious investigation.

No, it is not used reflexively.

A male researcher is 'der Forscher', and a female researcher is 'die Forscherin'.

It means 'market research' – the study of consumer behavior and markets.

No, that is a common mistake. You must use a preposition: 'Ich forsche ÜBER ein Thema' or 'Ich erforsche ein Thema'.

It refers to 'basic research' or 'fundamental research', which aims to expand knowledge without immediate practical application.

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