Nachfassen

Nachfassen is a German verb with two principal senses and can be used in both formal and everyday language. In the sense of follow-up, it means to pursue a matter further or to contact someone again to obtain information, a decision, or action. It is commonly used in business, administration, journalism, and customer relations. In the sense of maintenance or adjustment, it means to tighten or re-tighten fasteners, connections, or components after an initial assembly or inspection.

Etymology and form: nachfassen is a separable prefix verb formed from nach- (after, again) and fassen (to grasp, to seize, or to take hold). In present tense, the prefix is separated: ich fasse nach, du fasst nach, er/sie/es fasst nach. In perfect tense the prefix is placed at the end: ich habe nachgefasst. In the imperative, forms include fasse nach (du), fassen Sie nach (Sie). The word can also function as a noun in the sense of a follow-up action, das Nachfassen.

Usage notes:

- In a communication context, nachfassen often implies persistence and guidance toward a conclusion. Example: Wir müssen beim Auftraggeber nachfassen, um den Status der Lieferung zu klären.

- In a technical or mechanical context, nachfassen refers to re-tightening or re-adjusting fasteners. Example: Die Schrauben müssen nachgefasst werden, bevor der Betrieb fortgesetzt wird.

Relationen: Nachfassen is similar in intent to nachhaken or nachfragen, but with a nuance focused on continuation of effort (follow-up) or physical tightening, depending on context.

See also: nachhaken, nachfragen.