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verfolgen
/fɛɐ̯ˈfɔlɡn̩/
to pursue or follow
Die Polizei verfolgt den Dieb.
The police are pursuing the thief.
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
Antonyms
Related Phrases
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
suffixDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch