Aufsuchung

Aufsuchung is a German term used in various professional contexts to denote the proactive search for, or visitation to, a person, a place, or information. The word combines auf, meaning on or toward, with suchen, to search, and it conveys more than a mere inquiry by implying active field presence.

In social work and public welfare, the term commonly refers to outreach visits: social workers or case managers visit individuals or families at home or in the community to assess needs, establish contact, build trust, and arrange support services. Such activities aim to connect people with resources and prevent crises.

In health care and community services, outreach activities seek to reach underserved populations, conduct preventive care, screenings, or vaccinations, and link people to care. The emphasis is on direct contact outside traditional office settings to improve accessibility and continuity of care.

In administrative, legal, or police contexts, Aufsuchung denotes measures to locate persons or verify facts—such as locating a missing person, tracing witnesses, or confirming residence. Such actions are typically bound by statutory authority, confidentiality rules, and the principles of necessity and proportionality.

In journalism and research, Aufsuchung can describe fieldwork to locate sources, inspect sites, or gather on-site information. Across disciplines, the term reflects a common focus on proactive, in-person inquiry designed to obtain actionable knowledge or provide direct services.