forfølge

Forfølge is a Danish verb with several related senses built on the idea of moving after something or someone. The core meaning is to chase or pursue, as in a police pursuit or a literal chase. It is also used figuratively to describe pursuing goals or ambitions, and in legal language to press or prosecute a case against someone. The noun forfølgelse corresponds to pursuit or persecution, and the term can carry neutral or negative nuances depending on context.

Origin and forms: Forfølge comes from fø lge (to follow) with the prefix for-, signaling continuing motion after. The verb is transitive. Key forms include: present jeg forfølger, du forfølger, han/hun forfølger; past tense forfulgte; past participle forfulgt; present participle forfølgende. The perfect tense uses har forfulgt (har + forfulgt). The word is commonly used in both everyday and formal contexts.

Usage: Common collocations include forfølge en mistanke (to pursue a suspicion), forfølge en sag (to prosecute or pursue a case), and forfølge en drøm (to pursue a dream). Passive or passive-like constructions include han blev forfulgt or han blev forfulgt af pressen (he was pursued or harassed by the press). The noun forfølgelse denotes either pursuit or persecution and can carry negative connotations when referring to harassment or oppression.

Translations and related terms: English equivalents depend on context and include pursue, chase, prosecute, and persecute. Related Danish verb: følge (to follow). Forfølge thus covers both physical movement and extended efforts toward goals, as well as formal legal action in some contexts.