achtervolgen

Achtervolgen is a Dutch verb meaning "to pursue" or "to chase." The word is composed of the prefix "achter-" (behind/after) and "volgen" (to follow), literally translating to "to follow behind" or "to follow after."

In its most basic sense, achtervolgen describes the act of chasing or pursuing someone or something, typically with the intention of catching up to or apprehending the target. The verb can be used in various contexts, from literal physical pursuit to more abstract forms of chasing, such as pursuing goals, dreams, or objectives.

The conjugation of achtervolgen follows standard Dutch verb patterns. In present tense, it conjugates as: ik achtervolg (I pursue), jij achtervolgt (you pursue), hij/zij achtervolgt (he/she pursues), wij achtervolgen (we pursue), jullie achtervolgen (you all pursue), zij achtervolgen (they pursue). The past tense forms are achtervolgde (pursued) and the past participle is achtervolgd.

Common usage includes law enforcement contexts, where police achtervolgen suspects, or in storytelling and media where characters achtervolgen antagonists. The verb also appears in idiomatic expressions and metaphorical language, such as achtervolgen van success (pursuing success) or achtervolgen van justice (pursuing justice).

Related Dutch words include "achtervolging" (pursuit/chase) as the noun form, and "vervolgen" (to prosecute/pursue) which shares similar meaning but often implies legal or formal action. The English cognates include "pursue" and "persecute," though achtervolgen carries a more neutral connotation focusing on the act of chasing rather than harassment or oppression.

The word reflects Dutch linguistic patterns of creating compound verbs with directional prefixes, demonstrating the language's systematic approach to expressing nuanced actions through verb construction.