Nachführen

Nachführen is a German verb used in various professional contexts to denote the action of following up, updating, or supplementing information, documents, or processes after an initial action has taken place. It typically implies addressing gaps, correcting or extending data, and bringing something up to date.

Etymologically, the prefix nach- means “after” or “subsequent,” and führen can be translated as “to conduct,” “to lead,” or in bookkeeping sense, “to keep.” The combination conveys the sense of continuing a task beyond its initial step to achieve a complete or current state.

In administration and accounting, nachführen refers to making late postings, updating records, or completing bookkeeping with backdated or backlog entries so that the accounts reflect the current status. It is a common activity when late documents arrive, or corrections are required after the original period has been closed.

In data management and research, nachführen means adding new observations or corrections to an existing dataset or revising results after initial publication. It can also describe updating metadata or aligning datasets with newer reference standards.

In project management and compliance, the term is used for updating project files, attaching missing documents, or confirming that all required steps and approvals have been recorded after the fact. The concept emphasizes completeness and accuracy over time.

The related noun is Nachführung, referring to the act of following up or updating. In English, nachführen is often translated as “to follow up,” “to update,” or “to backfill,” depending on context.