nachforschender

Nachforschender is a German noun derived from the verb nachforschen, meaning to investigate or inquire. It denotes a person who examines facts, seeks information, or pursues further details in order to uncover truth or to learn more about a matter. The term is often found in literary, historical, or formal registers rather than in everyday speech.

Etymology and sense: The word is formed with the agentive suffix -er from nachforschen. It emphasizes diligent fact-finding and probing inquiry. Depending on context, it can refer to thorough non-criminal inquiry as well as to investigative work, without automatically implying law enforcement activity.

Usage: A Nachforschender may be described as a researcher, archivist, genealogist, journalist, or detective, depending on the field. In historical texts, the term describes someone who digs into archives, records, or testimonies to reconstruct events or family lines. In contemporary prose, the word can carry a formal or antiquated tone; more common expressions include Nachforschungen anstellender Mensch, Ermittler, or Forscher, depending on nuance.

Example: Der Nachforschende durchforstete alte Kirchenbücher, um die Abstammung der Familie zu klären.

See also: Nachforschen; Ermittler; Forscher.