noun

die Forschung, -en

research

Das ist eine systematische Suche nach neuem Wissen, bei der man Fragen stellt, Informationen sammelt und Ergebnisse untersucht, um etwas besser zu verstehen.

Definition & meaning

Forschung means research: the systematic gathering and analysis of information to discover or develop knowledge. It most often refers to scientific or academic research, but can also describe investigation in other fields.

Depending on context, it can mean either the activity of researching or the body of research conducted in a particular area.

Grammar & word origin

Forschung is a feminine noun: die Forschung. Its plural is die Forschungen, used especially for separate research projects or studies.

The word comes from the verb forschen (“to research” or “to investigate”) and the noun-forming suffix -ung. It is written with a capital letter, as all German nouns are.

Synonyms & antonyms

There is no exact antonym for Forschung.

Untersuchung means “investigation” or “examination.” It often refers to a specific inquiry or inspection, whereas Forschung usually suggests systematic work aimed at gaining knowledge.
Erkundung means “exploration” or “reconnaissance.” It emphasizes finding out about an unfamiliar place or situation, rather than research in general.