noun

die Untersuchung, -en

investigation · examination

Es ist eine genaue Überprüfung oder das Nachforschen, um mehr über etwas herauszufinden.

Definition & meaning

The German word Untersuchung primarily refers to the act of examining, investigating, or analyzing something in detail. Depending on the context, it can have several specific meanings:

Medical Examination: In a healthcare setting, it refers to a check-up or physical examination conducted by a doctor to determine a patient's state of health or to diagnose a condition.
Scientific Research/Study: It describes a systematic analysis or an academic study of a specific topic, often involving experiments or data collection.
Legal/Criminal Investigation: It refers to an official inquiry or investigation carried out by the police or judicial authorities to uncover the facts of a case or a crime.
Technical Inspection: It can mean the testing or inspection of an object, machine, or substance to ensure its quality or functionality.

Grammar & Word origin

Untersuchung is a feminine noun. Its plural form is Untersuchungen.

The word is formed from the verb untersuchen (to examine/investigate) and the suffix -ung, which is used in German to turn verbs into nouns representing an action, process, or result.

The verb untersuchen consists of the prefix unter- (under) and the verb suchen (to search/seek). Historically, the term implied "searching beneath the surface" to find the truth or a cause.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

Prüfung: Used when referring to a test or a formal check.
Analyse: Used in scientific or technical contexts for a detailed breakdown.
Ermittlung: Specifically used for police or criminal investigations.
Check-up: Often used in a medical context for a general health screening.
Recherche: Used when referring to investigative research, especially in journalism.
Studie: Refers to a scientific or academic study.

Antonyms:

Vernachlässigung: The act of neglecting or not paying attention to something, which is the opposite of a careful examination.
Oberflächlichkeit: Superficiality; looking only at the surface without performing a deep investigation.
Ignoranz: Deliberate or accidental ignoring of facts.