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verfolgen

/fɛɐ̯ˈfɔlɡn̩/
verb★Intermediate— to pursue or follow
general

To pursue someone or something, often with the intention of catching or apprehending them.

Der Hund verfolgt den Ball.

The dog is chasing the ball.

💡

Can be used both literally (e.g., chasing) and figuratively (e.g., pursuing a goal).

general

To follow or track someone or something closely, often with interest or concern.

Sie verfolgt die Nachrichten über die Krise.

She is following the news about the crisis.

💡

Often used in the context of monitoring or staying updated.

⚖️Law
legal

To pursue a legal case or claim against someone.

Die Firma verfolgt den Fall vor Gericht.

The company is pursuing the case in court.

💡

Used in legal contexts to describe the act of taking legal action.

Collocations

jemanden verfolgento pursue someoneeiner Sache nachgehento follow up on somethingeiner Spur folgento follow a trail

Synonyms

jagennachstellennachgehennachverfolgen

Antonyms

verlierenaufgebenignorieren

Related Phrases

jemanden verfolgenphrase
to pursue someone
einer Sache nachgehenphrase
to follow up on something

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

The meaning of 'verfolgen' can vary significantly depending on the context. Pay attention to whether it's used in a literal or figurative sense.

⚡Gold Rule

Legal vs. General Use

In legal contexts, 'verfolgen' often means to pursue a case, while in general contexts, it can mean to chase or follow something.

📖Word Origin

From Middle High German 'vervolgen', from Old High German 'firfolgon', from 'fir-' (intensive prefix) + 'folgon' (to follow).

📝Usage Notes

Can be used both literally (e.g., chasing) and figuratively (e.g., pursuing a goal or interest). In legal contexts, it often refers to pursuing a case.

Word Breakdown

ver-
intensive prefix
prefix
+
-folg-
to follow
root
+
-en
verb suffix
suffix
Deutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch

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