durchführen

Durchführen is a German verb that means to carry out, perform, or execute a task, procedure, or plan. It is used for actions that are planned and implemented, such as investigations, experiments, tests, inspections, or administrative measures. The word often appears in contexts of formal or procedural activity.

Grammatically, durchführen is a separable-prefix verb. In present tense you say, for example, Wir führen die Prüfung durch. In the simple past: Wir führten die Prüfung durch. In the perfect: Wir haben die Prüfung durchgeführt. The prefix durch- separates in the finite verb form in the present and past, while the past participle bleibt durch-geführt in compound tenses.

Etymology and related forms: das Verb consists of durch- (through, across) and führen (to lead). Related nouns include die Durchführung (execution or implementation) and die Durchführbarkeit (feasibility). The adjective durchführbar means feasible, and das Partizip Präsens Form durchführend describes someone who is conducting something.

Usage and nuances: durchführen emphasizes the completion of a planned sequence or procedure, rather than merely acting. It is commonly used with nouns like Prüfung, Studie, Untersuchung, Experiment, Inspektion, Maßnahme, or Plan. Synonyms include ausführen (to execute or perform, sometimes with a more concrete sense) and vollziehen (to complete a process). Durchführen often implies a methodical or institutional act, whereas ausführen can be broader and more action-focused.

Examples:

- Wir führen heute eine Studie durch.

- Die Polizei führte eine Kontrolle durch.

- Das Experiment wurde erfolgreich durchgeführt.

- Die Durchführung des Plans erfolgt Schritt für Schritt.