die  Verfolgung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/fɛɐ̯ˈfɔlɡʊŋ/

🧐 What does "die Verfolgung" actually mean?

The noun die Verfolgung is feminine (_feminine_) and generally describes the act of following or chasing someone or something. However, it has several specific meanings:

• Pursuit/Chasing: The physical act of running or driving after someone, often with the aim of catching them or reaching something. _Example: Die Polizei nahm die Verfolgung des Fluchtautos auf. (The police started the pursuit of the getaway car.)_
• Prosecution (Legal): The legal action taken against someone for a crime. _Example: Die Verfolgung von Steuerhinterziehung ist Aufgabe der Behörden. (The prosecution of tax evasion is the authorities' task.)_
• Persecution: The systematic, often politically, religiously, or ethnically motivated discrimination, oppression, or hunting of specific groups of people. _Example: Die Verfolgung von Minderheiten ist ein dunkles Kapitel der Geschichte. (The persecution of minorities is a dark chapter in history.)_
• Pursuit (of a goal): The consistent following of a goal or plan (less common, usually the verb "verfolgen" is used here). _Example: Die Verfolgung seiner ehrgeizigen Ziele bestimmte sein Leben. (The pursuit of his ambitious goals defined his life.)_

🚨 _Important: Context is crucial to understand the exact meaning of "Verfolgung"._

Article rules for der, die, and das

📝 Grammar of "die Verfolgung" in Detail

"Verfolgung" is a feminine noun. Like almost all German nouns ending in "-ung", it's feminine (_weiblich_).

Example Sentences

1. Die Verfolgung der Diebe endete mit ihrer Festnahme.
   (The pursuit of the thieves ended with their arrest. - Meaning: Chasing)
2. Er entkam der Verfolgung durch die Polizei nur knapp.
   (He barely escaped the pursuit by the police. - Meaning: Chasing)
3. Die Geschichte ist voll von politischen Verfolgungen.
   (History is full of political persecutions. - Meaning: Persecution)
4. Die Staatsanwaltschaft beantragte die Verfolgung des Verdächtigen.
   (The public prosecutor's office requested the prosecution of the suspect. - Meaning: Legal prosecution)

💡 How "die Verfolgung" is Used

_The usage of die Verfolgung strongly depends on the context:_

• _In everyday life/crime stories:_ Often used in the sense of a "chase" or "pursuit" (e.g., a Verfolgungsjagd - car chase - in a movie).
• _In law:_ Refers to Strafverfolgung (criminal prosecution) by authorities like the police and public prosecutor's office. One speaks of the Verfolgung einer Straftat (prosecution of a crime).
• _In history/politics:_ Usually refers to the systematic Persekution (persecution) of groups (e.g., Judenverfolgung - persecution of Jews, Christenverfolgung - persecution of Christians).
• _In sports:_ Sometimes the act of chasing competitors in a race is called Verfolgung (e.g., in biathlon, the Verfolgungswettkampf - pursuit race).

_Distinction from similar words:_

• Die Jagd: _Primarily refers to hunting animals, but can be used metaphorically for people (Menschenjagd - manhunt). "Verfolgung" is often broader and can also be legal or systematic._
• Die Fahndung: _This is the targeted search for a person wanted by the police. "Verfolgung" can include the Fahndung, but also the subsequent chase or legal prosecution._

🧠 Mnemonics for "die Verfolgung"

_Article Mnemonic:_ _Almost all German nouns ending in -ung are feminine (die). Think of the long ending requiring a feminine partnering -> die Verfolgung._

_Meaning Mnemonic:_ _The word comes from the verb "verfolgen" (to follow, pursue, persecute). Imagine someone intently following you – that captures the essence of Verfolgung, whether it's a chase (pursuit), legal action (prosecution), or oppression (persecution)._

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for "die Verfolgung"

⚠️ _Similar sounding/looking words:_

• Befolgung: _Following/compliance with rules or instructions (e.g., die Befolgung von Gesetzen - compliance with laws). Do not confuse!_
• Folgerung: _A logical conclusion._

😂 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Polizist den Raser: "Warum sind Sie so schnell gefahren?" Antwortet der Raser: "Ich hatte eine dringende Verfolgung – ich musste sehen, ob mein Tacho wirklich bis 200 geht!"

English: A police officer asks a speeder: "Why were you driving so fast?" The speeder replies: "I was in urgent pursuit – I had to see if my speedometer really goes up to 200!"

📜 Poem about Verfolgung

German:
Im Schatten lauert, kalt und bang,
Die Verfolgung, tage-, nächtelang.
Mal ist's der Jäger, schnell im Lauf,
Mal nimmt das Recht den Täter auf.
Mal ist's der Hass, der blindlings treibt,
Ein Schicksal, das Geschichte schreibt.
Ob Ziel, ob Mensch, ob Straftat schwer,
Die Verfolgung kennt kein Umkehr.

English:
In shadows lurks, cold and with dread,
The persecution/pursuit, days and nights spread.
Sometimes the hunter, swift in stride,
Sometimes the law where culprits hide.
Sometimes it's hate, that blindly drives,
A fate that history contrives.
Be it goal, or person, or crime severe,
Pursuit knows no turning back here.

🧩 Little Riddle

German:
Ich kann eine Jagd sein, wild und schnell,
Oder ein Prozess, vor Gericht ganz hell.
Ich kann Menschen quälen, grausam, kalt,
Oder ein Ziel anstreben mit Gewalt.
Mein Artikel ist weiblich, das ist klar.
Was bin ich wohl? Ratet, wunderbar!

English:
I can be a chase, wild and fast,
Or a trial, in court meant to last.
I can torment people, cruel and cold,
Or pursue a goal, brave and bold.
My article is feminine, that's clear.
What am I? Guess now, my dear!

Solution: die Verfolgung

🌐 Further Information

_Word Composition:_ _The word "Verfolgung" is derived from the verb "verfolgen" (to pursue, follow, persecute). This consists of the prefix "ver-" (often indicating intensification or a change of direction) and the verb "folgen" (to follow)._

_Historical Context:_ _The term "Verfolgung" is strongly associated with historical events such as the Inquisition, witch hunts, and the persecution of religious and political minorities (e.g., during National Socialism or under totalitarian regimes)._

_Psychological Aspect:_ _The feeling of being persecuted (Verfolgungswahn - persecutory delusion) is a symptom of certain mental health conditions (paranoia)._