durchsuche

Durchsuche is the conjugated form of the German verb durchsuchen. It means to search through something thoroughly, to comb through or inspect by examining all parts. The term is used for both physical objects, such as bags or rooms, and for data, such as files, databases, or hard drives. In everyday language it can convey a careful, methodical search.

Etymology and grammar: durchsuchen is a separable-prefix verb formed from durch- (through) and suchen (to search). In the present tense, the prefix is often placed at the end of the clause in main sentences, as in Ich suche den Koffer durch. The form durchsuche can function as the first-person singular present tense (ich durchsuche) and as the imperative form (Durchsuche!). The past participle is durchsucht, and the perfect tense uses the auxiliary haben: Ich habe den Koffer durchsucht.

Usage notes: Durchsuche is common in security, law enforcement, and information technology contexts, where a thorough examination or scanning is required. It often implies a systematic or meticulous process, sometimes involving multiple steps or items. Related verbs include durchschaun (less common, informal), durchsehen (to review or skim through), and durchforsten (to comb through, often at length).

Examples: Er durchsucht heute die Aktenordner nach den Belegen. Die Polizei durchsucht verdächtige Fahrzeuge. Wir durchsuchen die Festplatte nach Malware. The noun form is Durchsuchung, referring to the act or process of searching through something.