Recherchieren

Recherchieren is a German verb that denotes the systematic gathering, checking, and evaluation of information in order to answer a question, solve a problem, or verify facts. It is commonly used in journalism, academia, science, and public discourse, and is closely linked to the noun Recherche, which refers to the process or the field of research. The term implies an intentional approach rather than casual guessing.

The typical sequence of a research effort includes defining a clear question or hypothesis, planning a search strategy, locating relevant sources, and collecting pertinent data. Sources may include books, articles, databases, archives, official records, and interviews. After gathering information, the researcher assesses credibility, relevance, and bias, extracts key points, and synthesizes them into findings. The results are usually documented with citations and often presented in written reports, articles, or presentations.

Quality and ethics are central to proper Recherchieren. Best practices emphasize source criticism, transparency about methods, and avoidance of plagiarism. Researchers distinguish between primary and secondary sources, verify facts through triangulation when possible, and clearly indicate uncertainties or conflicting evidence. In professional contexts, rigorous Recherchieren supports informed decision-making and contributes to the reliability of published knowledge.

See also: Recherche, Nachforschung, Quellenkritik, Informationskompetenz.